Stinky towels

specialk84

I accidentally left a load of towels in the washer on Saturday afternoon. I found them this morning, and they reek.

I've rewashed them twice, both times with the hottest water, vinegar and some Borox. They still stink (though not as bad).

Is there anything else I can do? The idea of getting out of the shower and wrapping myself in one of these stinky towels is making me shudder.

MaineWifey

Huh, I was going to suggest vinegar, but it seems you've already tried it.  What about trying oxyclean?  

MommyLiberty5013

Also, the inside of your washer might have mildew in it somehow if the towels sat in it that long. Clean the machine too.

specialk84

MommyLiberty5013:

Also, the inside of your washer might have mildew in it somehow if the towels sat in it that long. Clean the machine too.

I didn't even think of that. I'll clean it tonight, then rewash the towels. 

If all else fails, I would not be sad to get new towels. 

clea

I would add a little bleach.  Not enough to change the color, but enough to kill the smell.

Bathlove

clea:

I would add a little bleach.  Not enough to change the color, but enough to kill the smell.

My first thought was vinegar (and lots of it), but since you've tried that, I'd try a little bleach.  Couldn't hurt anything.  Worse case scenario:  you end up having to more towels (which you'll have to do anyway if the stank doesn't get out).

~NB~

Bleach. Towels are usually always colorfast so they don't fade when you belach them. Adding bleach will kill any mold or mildew in the machine or on the towels.

specialk84

I used the washing machine cleaner and ran the BasketClean cycle. The towels are in the wash again, on the sanitize cycle with a little bit of bleach and a buttload of baking soda and Borox.

Thanks for the help!  

specialk84

It worked! The color didn't fade, and the towels smell pleasant. Thanks!

Kingston54

Wash again with lots of fabric softener and then dry with a few fabric softener sheets!