How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Towels

Towels are always at their best when they are dry, clean and fluffy.  They are there to dry your body and leave you fresh to begin your day.  However, when they develop a mildew smell and begin to wreak moldy cheese and mildew, they are anything but ideal.  After you’ve showered the last thing you want is for this funk to rub off!



 

There are several preventative tips and solutions for after your towel has developed this stink.  In following a series of tips, you can prevent the development of such an odor for future use.

 
musty-towel
 

Preventative Solutions

Towels often build a mildew odor while they are on a rack and the following solutions can help in preventing an odor from developing.

 

1 Wash Weekly

When towels are used repeatedly, they can develop a mildew smell as dead skin particles build within the fabric fiber.  If a towel is not wash at least once a week, the odor can build and become a feeding ground for mildew as it feeds from the organic matter.

 

2 Alternate Towels

If your towel is unable to completely dry within a 24 hour period, it is important that you begin alternating towels.  When a towel receives continued use it is likely for mildew to develop, as it will never gain the opportunity to completely dry.  Alternating towels provides a window for them to dry and prevents the odor from developing.

 

Washing Odor Solutions

Once a mildew odor finds it’s way within a towel, it can be very challenging the remove.  It is important to add some additional functions within the washing process to ensure that all remaining mildew residue is removed.

 

1 Hot Water

Setting the washing machine to the hottest setting will help in removing odors from clothing.  The hot water helps in opening the fibers and allowing detergent to penetrate the fabric and remove the mildew odor.

 
 

2 Wash Again

If the first wash is not successful at removing all of the mildew residue, simply wash it again.  As simplistic as it sound, washing the clothing a second time is often effective at removing any residue odors.

 
 

3 White Vinegar

This household substance works wonders in cutting through mildew odors, and returning towels to normal.  Measure a full cup of white vinegar and pour within a normal detergent wash.

 
 

4 Baking Soda

This powder works fantastic at absorbing unwanted smell and rendering it odorless. Pour a half cup of baking soda within a normal detergent wash.  In addition to working to remove the mildew odor, the baking soda will also make the whites whiter.

 

5 Bleach

If towels are white, bleach can be utilized to help remove mildew odor.  Measure a half cup of bleach and pour within a normal detergent wash.  The bleach will help in neutralizing the smell, and render the white towels odorless.


 
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Published by

Joe Fresh

Joe is an odor combatant, chemistry extraordinaire and all around good guy. He has an over-productive olfactory system with absolutely zero tolerance for unpleasant aromas.

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