Banish the unpleasant musty odor from your towels for good. Towels are essential laundry items that require proper cleaning and drying to prevent microbial buildup. Bacteria thrive in damp towels, creating that notorious musty smell.
A cleaning expert shares how to delay bacterial growth on towels using a complete cleaning strategy. Before trying intensive cleaning methods, consider these easy steps to maintain fresh-smelling towels after each use. Steve Boorstein, expert and co-author of “The Clothing Doctor’s 99 Secrets of Cleaning and Clothing Care”, emphasizes cleaning your washing machine for optimal results.
According to Boorstein, wash whites with bleach or run a bleach-only cycle to disinfect the washing machine, ensuring hygienic cleanliness before washing towels. Adding a drop of essential oil to the fabric softener compartment adds fragrance and antibacterial benefits. Warm water and boosters like vinegar or essential oils can enhance the washing process.
If odors persist, bacteria might still linger. Re-wash towels with bleach or another cycle to thoroughly remove bacteria. Boorstein suggests drying towels promptly to prevent bacterial growth, recommending a maximum of three uses per towel before washing it.
Damp towels left in the washer promote rapid bacterial breeding, so transfer them to the dryer without delay. Ensure towels are completely dry post-drying, as slightly moist towels can breed mildew and bacteria.
Practice good personal hygiene to minimize odor transfer; thoroughly cleaning common sweat areas can reduce bacteria passed on to towels.
Allow ample drying space on towel racks, avoiding damp towels on floors or hampers. If persistent musty smells remain, wash with half a cup of baking soda in hot water for odor neutralization.
Avoid using vinegar and baking soda together; instead, use separate cycles for the best results against odors.
Effective Methods to Eliminate Musty Towel Odors
