We use towels every day, but sometimes they start to smell not so nice. If you've ever wondered, "Why do my towels smell?" or "How to get smell out of towels?” you're not alone. In this blog, we'll show you simple ways to make your towels smell fresh again. Whether they have a musty smell or just don't seem as fresh as they used to be, we'll help you solve the problem. Let’s start fixing those smelly towels!
Why Do Towels Smell Bad?
Towels can start to smell bad for a few reasons. If towels stay wet for too long, bacteria and mold can grow on them, giving them a musty odor. Also, using too much detergent or fabric softener can leave a buildup on the towels, which makes them smell even more. It's important to dry towels completely after using them and to use the right amount of cleaning products to keep them smelling fresh.
How to Get Musty Smell Out of Towels
If your towels have a musty smell, you can freshen them up with these simple steps:
1. Vinegar and Baking Soda
These two household items are great for getting rid of towel odors:
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Wash with Vinegar: Put your towels in the washing machine with hot water and one cup of white vinegar. Vinegar breaks down buildup and kills germs.
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Wash with Baking Soda: Don’t remove the towels after the vinegar wash. Run another hot cycle with half a cup of baking soda. Baking soda helps get rid of any remaining smells.
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Dry Completely: Make sure to dry your towels completely. You can use a high setting on your dryer or hang them out in the sun.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
If the smell is really strong, try this method:
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Soak in Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with water and soak the towels for an hour.
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Wash with Baking Soda: Then wash the towels in hot water with baking soda.
How to Make Old Towels Smell Fresh Again
If you have old towels that have lost their freshness, here are some tips to make them smell fresh again:
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural deodorizer and can help refresh old towels:
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Soak in Lemon Juice: Mix one cup of lemon juice with two gallons of hot water. Soak the towels for an hour.
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Wash as Usual: After soaking, wash the towels with your regular detergent.
2. Essential Oils
Adding a few drops of essential oils to your wash cycle can leave your towels smelling great:
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Add Essential Oils: During the rinse cycle, add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or tea tree oil.
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Dry Thoroughly: Make sure to dry the towels completely to prevent any residual moisture.
How to Remove Mildew Smell
Mildew smells are tough, but you can beat them with:
1. Borax
Borax is a strong cleaner that helps with mildew:
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Add Borax to Wash: Put half a cup of borax in the washing machine with your regular soap.
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Use Hot Water: Wash with hot water to kill mildew and bacteria.
2. Sun Drying
Sunlight can help kill bacteria:
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Dry Outside: After washing, hang your towels in direct sunlight.
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Make Sure they’re Dry: Only bring them inside when they're completely dry.
Keeping Your Towels Fresh
To avoid smelly towels, it's best to prevent the odor before it starts. Here are some simple steps to keep your towels smelling great:
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Use the Right Amount of Detergent: Too much detergent can leave a residue that makes towels smelly, and too little won't clean them well. Try to find just the right amount for your washing machine and the type of water you have.
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Shake out Towels before Drying: Give your towels a good shake before you hang them up or put them in the dryer. This helps them dry faster and more evenly, which can prevent odors.
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Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly: Sometimes the smell on your towels can come from your washing machine. Old soap and fabric softeners can build up and create mold or mildew. To fix this, run an empty wash cycle with hot water and vinegar once a month.
How to Clean Kitchen Towels
Keeping your kitchen towels clean is important because they often get exposed to food and bacteria. Here's an easy way to wash them:
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Wash Separately: Always wash your kitchen towels separately from your bath towels to avoid spreading germs.
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Use Hot Water: Hot water helps kill germs and get rid of food smells.
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Vinegar and Baking Soda Wash: Use vinegar in one wash cycle, then run another cycle with baking soda. This helps make your towels extra clean and fresh.
Conclusion: Keep Your Towels Smelling Great
Keeping your towels smelling nice is not just about keeping them clean; it's about making your home feel welcoming. With the easy steps we've talked about in this blog, you can get rid of any bad smells in your towels, whether they're musty, mildew, or just old. Using simple things like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils can make even your oldest towels feel fresh again.
The best way to avoid smelly towels is to prevent the smell from starting. Make sure you wash and dry your towels properly and keep your washing machine clean. These simple habits will help ensure your towels always smell fresh. So, use these tips, and enjoy the feeling of a fresh, clean towel every time.