An unpleasant odor from your towels as soon as you take them out for use is a common problem many of us face. Studies show that approximately 90% of towels contain bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that contribute to unpleasant odors.
The key challenge is understanding how to make towels smell fresh rather than just hiding the bad smells.
Identifying the root cause of these stubborn odors is the first step in addressing this issue.
Keep reading to learn valuable tips on how to properly wash and care for your hand and bath towels.
What Causes Smelly Wash Towels?
When towels are left wet for an extended period, moisture provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow on the fibers. This leads to an unpleasant smell that lingers even after washing.
Moreover, towels have a high absorbency, which means they can absorb a lot of liquid. This makes it difficult for the washing machine to remove any detergent and fabric softener residue.
Over time, this residue accumulates and affects the towel's ability to absorb. As a result, a musky smell can develop that is hard to eliminate.
Wash Your Towels the Right Way
By following these tips, you can ensure your towels stay clean, residue-free, and ready to dry effectively.
1. Separate your towels from other laundry items
Towels can come into contact with dead skin cells. This makes it important to wash them separately. By doing so, you can prevent the accumulation of unwanted residue. This residue can affect the cleanliness and freshness of your towels.
2. Use LESS Detergent
Using excessive amounts of detergent can contribute to the build-up of residue on towels. To effectively clean your towels without leaving behind any, it is recommended to use half the usual amount of detergent.
3. Skip the Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners tend to leave a sticky residue on towels, which can reduce their absorbency. Instead of using fabric softeners, consider alternatives such as wool dryer balls or essential oils, which can keep your towels soft and fresh without compromising their absorbent qualities.
Take Care of Your Washing Machine
To keep your towels fresh and clean, remember to take care of your washing machine too. Clean it monthly with liquid bleach and run a hot water cycle to get rid of dirt, grime, and bacteria.
Also, make sure to clean the lint filter regularly to prevent clogs and maintain your machine's efficiency for cleaner towels.
Proper Towel Storage
To maintain cleanliness and prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, it is important to hang towels immediately after use instead of throwing them in the hamper.
This allows for proper air drying and avoids creating a breeding ground for unwanted microorganisms. Also, it is advisable to assign separate towels for each family member to promote hygiene and avoid confusion with damp towels.
Deep Cleaning for Musty Towels
- Hot water wash: Begin with a hot water wash cycle to kill bacteria. Skip fabric softener when washing.
- Vinegar soak: Soak the towels in white vinegar for 1-2 hours to break down remaining bacteria and eliminate odors.
- Baking soda wash: Follow the vinegar soak with a hot water wash cycle, this time adding half a cup of baking soda to neutralize odors and eliminate build-up.
- Thorough drying: Properly dry your towels either in the dryer or by hanging them outside. Ensure they are completely dry to prevent mildew growth.
Choose Only High-Quality Towels
If you haven't gotten new towels in a few years, it might be hard to get rid of the old, stale smell fully. If you don't handle smells properly right from the start, they'll likely stay with your towels for as long as you have them.
Towels that take a long time to dry can also get a musty smell over time. That's why it's really important to pick good towels and take good care of them from the beginning.
Japanese towels, like the famous Imabari towels from Japarcana, are an excellent choice for absorbing water, drying quickly, and being easy to clean.
Final Words
Keeping towels smelling fresh and free of the musty smell is a matter of proper care—from washing with the right amount of detergent to ensuring they dry thoroughly.
Let's all aim for a fresh and clean-smelling bathroom through these best practices. Towel care might seem minor, but it plays a significant role in maintaining a hygienic and comfortable home.