Wet towels left in hampers can spread musty odors through laundry

House Digest says damp towels left in a hamper or washer can make an entire laundry load smell musty. It recommends drying towels completely before adding them to dirty clothes; mold and mildew can grow when damp towels sit for more than 24 to 48 hours.

The article says moisture trapped in towel fibers allows musty odors to spread to other items in the hamper. It adds that odors may still occur if the washer is overloaded or the detergent amount is wrong, and advises using the right amount.