Reasons Behind Mildew or Sour-Smelling Towels
Let's talk about something we've all faced but rarely discuss: that sour, musty smell our towels sometimes acquire over time. It's not just you; it happens in households everywhere. Why do our towels – freshly washed and dried – smell less than fresh? Here are the top reasons:
Not Hanging Up to Dry: Leaving your towel bunched up on the floor or draped in a way that doesn't allow for proper air circulation means it's staying damp longer. Moist environments are playgrounds for mildew.
Damp Towel in the Hamper: It's tempting to toss a used towel into the laundry basket and forget about it until laundry day. However, if it's still damp, you're creating an ideal scenario for that sour smell to develop.
Detergent Overload: Detergent build-up on towels can contribute to the smell. Always avoid using fabric softener on towels fabric softener creates a waxy build-up and makes towels less absorbent), and use a maximum of 2 Tbsp of laundry detergent for a large load.
Laundry Limbo: We've all been guilty of forgetting a load of laundry in the washer. Damp towels left sitting in the washer can quickly start to smell.
Infrequent Washing: Ideally, you should wash your towels after a maximum of three uses. It might seem like a lot, but it helps keep them at their freshest and prevents bacteria and mildew from building up.
A Dirty Washer: If your towels AND other clothes are coming out of the laundry machine smelling like mildew, your laundry machine may be the culprit. In this case, be sure to clean your washer with a laundry machine cleaning tablet before deodorizing your towels. Many machines have a cleaning cycle option now, but otherwise just select the hottest temperature and longest cycle.
So, how do we combat these common missteps? Here's a straightforward guide to keeping your towels smelling clean and fresh, without resorting to harsh chemicals or complicated routines.
Vinegar: Your Towel's New Best Friend
The solution for getting that sour or mildew smell out of your towels is likely in your kitchen pantry. White vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can help remove buildup that might be contributing to the smell. Here's two different ways to use white vinegar to deodorize your towels:
Pre-Soak: Fill a sink or bathtub with enough water to cover your towels. Add 1-2 cups of white vinegar and let your towels soak in the mixture for 30 minutes. Then wash as normal with hot water and your favorite laundry detergent. OR;
In the Wash Cycle: Run your smelly towels through a hot water cycle with one cup of white vinegar in the fabric softener slot. It is crucial that you pour it into the correct slot to ensure it is deposited into the rinse cycle and is kept separate from detergents. You can choose to do a load with just vinegar, or add 2 Tbsp of your favorite detergent to the detergent slot as normal.
Whether you're team air dry or tumble dry, make sure your towels are completely dry before folding them up or using them again. This step is crucial in preventing the return of the smell!
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