Do you sometimes notice an unpleasant odor on your towels? It’s not your imagination. This odor happens because there is a build-up of detergent and fabric softener on the towels. When detergent and fabric softener build up on the towels, they reduce their absorbency and stiffen them. They also turn smelly when wet. Read on to learn a quick and easy way to freshen up your towels.
How to Freshen Up Your Towels
- Wash the towels in hot water with 1/2-1 cup of distilled white vinegar; no detergent.
- Wash the towels a second time in hot water, adding 1/2-1 cup of baking soda; no detergent.
- Dry them with dryer balls or 1/2 of a dryer sheet to avoid static cling.
- The next time you wash the towels, add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser and add detergent to the water as usual.
These steps will remove the build-up of detergent and fabric softener and make the towels soft and fluffy like they were when you purchased them.
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Frequently Asked Questions: How to Freshen Up Stinky Towels
1. Why do my towels still smell even after washing?
That lingering odor usually comes from a buildup of detergent, fabric softener, and bacteria trapped in the fibers. When towels are over-soaped or not fully dried, they create the perfect environment for mildew to grow, which leads to that musty smell.
2. What is the best way to remove odor from towels?
A reliable method is to wash your towels in hot water with one cup of white vinegar (no detergent), then run a second cycle with baking soda. This combination helps break down residue and neutralize odors, leaving your towels fresh and clean.
3. Should I stop using fabric softener on towels?
Yes, it is best to avoid fabric softener. While it may make towels feel soft at first, it coats the fibers over time, reducing absorbency and trapping odors. A simpler routine with less product tends to keep towels fresher in the long run.
4. How can I prevent my towels from smelling in the future?
Always hang towels to dry completely after each use, and avoid leaving them in a damp pile. Wash them regularly, use the right amount of detergent, and occasionally do a deep clean with vinegar or baking soda. Keeping things simple and consistent goes a long way in maintaining fresh, clean towels.
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I use homemade detergent (castile liquid soap based) vinegar in every load, and dryer balls. No build up, no static:) Vinegar is probably our most used household item!
That’s great! I literally find a new way to use vinegar every day! Thanks for sharing!