<p>They says it’s generally after 8+ hours where wet mold can start. The intense heat isn’t that intense and adds to the damage that may have occurred in your washer. I don’t take the chance especially when leaving clothes in the washer leaves a weird odor in our front loader. </p>
<p>My clothes certainly start to smell musty sooner than that. But I am so, so very sensitive. I can’t use reusable water bottles unless I soak them in bleach after every use or I get sick, and sometimes i still get sick. So if our laundry sits more than an hour or so I just rewash it to be on the safe side.</p>
<p>There were times in my younger years where in forgot about laundry for a day or so and it was really obviously on the musty side, and I just put them in the dryer and nothing bad ever really happened to the clothes. I just prefer for them to be absolutely fresh, nothing seems fresh about leaving wet clothes in a heap in a dark washer for hours. If you don’t feel that way, more power to you. I waste a lot of time and water rewashing forgotten laundry.</p>
<p>I’m a microbiologist. I do suppose mold spores can start to grow on warm wet clothing in a dark space within a few hours…but I’ve NEVER seen or smelled any evidence in our house.
Gee, should I add this to my already too long list of things to worry about?</p>
<p>The only place I can think of where mold would be a concern is in someplace like Costa Rica. ( or maybe in one of those front loaders)
Both kids had to throw out clothes before they came back home. Youngest who actually lived in the jungle doing research for a month, had an awful ear infection, her phone & ipod died and her clothes were ruined because even if it didnt pour down rain, it is so humid nothing ever got dry.</p>
<p>But as soon as they could dress themselves, ( practically)everyone has always done their own laundry. Too much to keep on top of otherwise.
However I am the one that also ends up doing the sheets, tablecloths, shower curtains, towels…</p>