What can happen to wet laundry if not properly attended to after several hours?

When wet laundry is left unattended for several hours, one of the main consequences is that it can develop mold or sour odors. This is primarily due to the warm, moist environment created by the damp fabrics, which provides an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. If laundry remains wet for an extended period, bacteria can also proliferate, leading to unpleasant smells and potentially harmful effects on the fabric.

The process of mold growth is accelerated in environments with high humidity and warmth, meaning that laundry left in a basket or washing machine after the wash cycle is susceptible to these issues. Promptly moving wet laundry to a drying area can help prevent these problems and maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the fabrics.

Other potential outcomes, such as losing color or drying properly on its own, are less likely to occur with just time. Additionally, wet laundry will not remain fresh indefinitely; without proper drying, it will lead to the aforementioned issues of mold and odor. Thus, ensuring timely attention to wet laundry is essential for maintaining its quality.