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Laundry Q&A: Smelly Towels?

Q.

The Nest Q&A

My towels have a really bad odor after I wash and dry them. What could be the cause of this?

A.

Ooh, we can see why this would be a problem. The most likely source of the odor is that you're waiting too long to remove your towels from the washing machine before putting them into the dryer. Because towels are so heavy, it doesn't take very long for them to sour when they're wet. Another cause could be that you're just not using enough detergent. Try using a bit more (especially if you have hard water) to really get the towels clean. Also, wash your towels in hot water with a bleach (obviously, a color-safe version if they're not white). This will help rid of bacteria and mildew that cause odors. An extra dryer sheet or two also will help give your towels a fresher scent.


 

-- The Nest Editors

Oct 07, 2008

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Also, add a half a cup of white vinegar to the wash on towels that are already stinky...works like a charm and no your towels wont smell like vinegar at all. Just pour it in at the beginning with your detergent. :)

by nicmac on Nov 24, 2008

Thanks for the tips! Me and my husband have been trying to figure out why as soon as we get our towels wet from drying off, they instantly develope this mildew smell. Even when I rewash them, they hold the smell. The vinegar definetely worked though =)

by FutureNers on Feb 07, 2010

Use the hottest water that is safe for your towels. Use the proper amount of detergent and bleach/color safe alternative, for your washer and the size of your load. HE/front loading washers use less water and if you add more detergent than needed your towels will get filmy. Vinegar, like nicmac said is great too. NO FABRIC SOFTENER!!!! Again it leaves a film and your towels will lose their absorbency. Throw them into the dryer as quickly as possible on low heat without any dryer sheets and you also will avert lint all over your body when you dry off.

by DreamgazersEyes on Mar 22, 2010

Some of my husbands family have been living with us the last few months and they are ruining all of our stuff including our towels which always seem to smell like theyve cleaned the basement floor with them. Thanks for the tips I will try them out today!

by LanaBob678 on Mar 27, 2011

Adding a bit of scented fabric softener might also alleviate your odor problem and it worked for us. I’ll give the vinegar tip a shot too the next time. Kitchen Remodeling

by webbizideas on Jun 22, 2011