Getting rid of damp smell from clothes

[kpcurry]

How do I get rid of the smell of damp from some clothes which were washed and not dried quickly enough? I've washed them a couple of times since but they still smell sour? Help!

[woofgang]

If you can, wash them a bit hotter and use a bit more detergent than you usually would. Line drying outdoors helps as well but may not be possible at this time of year

[FTVS]

Very odd - are you sure they are drying correctly the last couple of times you have washed them? I can only suggest you try a tumble dryer and some Bounce, then maybe iron with vaporesse...?

[Robinia]

This happened to me recently & it's horrible! Assuming you're using an auto washing machine, wash the clothes as normal but don't spin. Rinse them again in the sink (a pain I know) in WARM water with lots of softener, Sains' own is very nice, & put back in washer & spin well. If you're drying on an airer space the clothes out well so the air circulates. Oh roll on summer!! Apologies if this is duplicate answer - my first seems to have got lost in the post!

[KEJ2000]

The smell is actually due to the growth of a small amount of mildew, and if you let the clothes dry out completely, and then keep them completely dry for several days (i.e., don't wear them), the mildew should die, and the problem will be solved!