It’s officially rainy season—and if you’re a mom like me, one of the biggest struggles at home right now is laundry. There’s nothing more frustrating than freshly washed clothes that still end up smelling musty or kulob, just because they didn’t dry properly. But over the years, I’ve found a few simple habits that help keep our clothes fresh even when the sun’s hiding. Let me share my rainy-day laundry routine—you might find something helpful in it too!

First, Why Do Clothes Smell Musty?

That unpleasant, stale smell (a.k.a. kulob) happens when clothes don’t dry completely. The lingering moisture becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew, causing that funky odor that just won’t go away—even if the clothes are clean.

My Indoor Drying Routine to Avoid Kulob

1. Use a Long-Lasting, Fragrant Detergent

The first step to fresh-smelling clothes starts with the right detergent. I use one that’s designed to keep clothes smelling clean for longer—even without sun-drying. Look for something with antibacterial properties and a long-lasting scent to help fight odors early on.

2. Add an Extra Spin Cycle

Before pulling the clothes out of the washer, I always add an extra spin cycle. It squeezes out more water and helps shorten drying time, which makes a big difference during rainy days.

3. Hang Clothes with Good Airflow

I use a foldable indoor drying rack and place it near a window or fan. Air circulation is key. I make sure clothes are spaced out and not overlapping so air can flow between them and speed up the drying.

Tip: I flip the clothes halfway through drying so both sides dry evenly.

4. Avoid Drying in Damp Areas

It may be tempting to hang clothes in the bathroom, but that space tends to stay damp—making it harder for clothes to dry and easier for odors to form. Instead, dry your laundry in areas with better ventilation.

5. Use a Fan or Open Windows

Even without sunlight, using an electric fan helps a lot. I point the fan directly at the rack and crack open windows when I can. Any air movement helps reduce moisture in the room.

Suka sa Labahin?! Why I Add Vinegar to My Laundry

Yes, vinegar!
I pour about a quarter cup of white vinegar into the rinse cycle to naturally deodorize clothes. Don’t worry—your laundry won’t smell like vinegar afterward. It actually helps break down any odor and leaves clothes smelling neutral and fresh.

If I’m dealing with already-smelly items, I soak them in a basin with water and a cup of vinegar for 30 minutes before washing again. It works wonders!

Extra Laundry Tips for Rainy Days:

• Wash earlier in the day to give clothes more time to dry.
• Use thicker hangers to allow more airflow through heavier clothes.
• Don’t wait too long to wash. Letting dirty laundry sit for days only makes things harder when it’s gloomy.

Rainy days might slow us down, but they don’t have to ruin our laundry game. With a few simple adjustments and the right drying routine, your clothes can still come out smelling fresh—even without the sun. Kulob? Not in this house!

How about you? Got any rainy-day laundry hacks? I’d love to hear them in the comments—or tag me if you’ve got something I should try!