If you’re like most people, you probably use towels on a daily basis. Whether it’s for drying off after a shower or wiping your hands in the kitchen, towels are an essential part of our daily lives. However, over time, towels can develop a musty smell that can be difficult to get rid of. In this article, we’ll show you how to wash musty towels and get them smelling fresh and clean once again.
What Causes Towels to Smell Musty?
Before we get into how to wash musty towels, it’s important to understand what causes them to smell in the first place. Towels can develop a musty smell due to a variety of reasons:
- Not drying properly: If towels are not allowed to dry completely between uses, they can develop a musty smell.
- Washing with too much detergent: Using too much detergent can leave a residue on towels, which can trap bacteria and cause a musty smell.
- Washing with hard water: Hard water can leave minerals on towels, which can also trap bacteria and cause a musty smell.
- Leaving towels in the washing machine: If you leave towels in the washing machine for too long, they can develop a musty smell.
How to Wash Musty Towels
Now that you know what causes towels to smell musty, let’s get into how to wash them:
Step 1: Pre-Treat the Towels
Before washing musty towels, it’s a good idea to pre-treat them with a stain remover or vinegar. This will help to remove any stains and neutralize any odors. Simply spray the stain remover or vinegar on the affected areas and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before washing.
Step 2: Wash with Hot Water
Next, wash the towels in hot water with a high-quality detergent. Hot water will help to kill any bacteria that may be causing the musty smell. Be sure to use the recommended amount of detergent for your load size.
Step 3: Add White Vinegar
To further neutralize any odors, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This will help to remove any remaining bacteria and leave your towels smelling fresh and clean.
Step 4: Dry Thoroughly
Finally, it’s important to dry your towels thoroughly. If possible, hang them outside in the sun to dry. The UV rays from the sun will help to kill any remaining bacteria and leave your towels smelling fresh. If you must use a dryer, be sure to use the highest heat setting and dry until completely dry.
Related Questions About How to Wash Musty Towels
1. Can I use bleach to wash musty towels?
While bleach can be effective in removing stains and odors, it’s not recommended for use on colored towels. Bleach can cause colors to fade and weaken the fibers of the towel, making them less absorbent over time. Stick to using white vinegar instead.
2. How often should I wash my towels?
You should wash your towels after every three to four uses, or more often if they become visibly soiled or begin to smell musty. This will ensure that they stay clean and fresh.
3. Can I use fabric softener on my towels?
No, you should avoid using fabric softener on your towels. Fabric softener can leave a residue on towels that can trap bacteria and cause a musty smell. Instead, use white vinegar in the rinse cycle to soften your towels naturally.