Musty Bath Towels

mrs_j_may_08 · October 2010

I just recently learned that you are NOT supposed to use fabric softener when washing your bath towels and that it removes the 'quick drying' ness of the towels. I've been washing our thick bath towels for over 2 years with fabric softener and I think I've ruined them! I can't get rid of the musty smell! They literally smell musty the first time you use them straight out of the dryer! I've tried adding baking soda in the washer with them but it doesn't seem to make a difference. Is there anything I can do?

SibDec18 · October 2010

I think white vinegar is supposed to remove the buildup fom the towels, about 1 c. per load, in the rinse cycle. I read this a long time ago, but I have never personally had this problem.

Hudson_Hawk · October 2010

Yep, Vinegar is a great fiber stripper and softener, so use it in your wash - 1 cup in the softener dispenser, the downy ball or added during the rinse cycle. It might take a few washings to remove all of the residue, but it will eventually and it will make them soft as well. I use W. Vinegar in place of softener for all of my clothes now.

bim38106 · October 2010

Anyone have a cure other then vinegar???

I've been using vinegar in place of fabric softener for years. My towels recently started smelling musty and I can't get rid of the smell! I'm thinking it's time for new towels, which stinks because they're still in great shape, soft and fluffy.

mrs_j_may_08 · October 2010

Thanks! I will definitely be trying the vinegar!

mrs_j_may_08 · October 2010

I've been trying to be more diligent about not leaving them in the washer and making sure they are completely dry. I never even thought about cleaning out the cabinet under the sink where the towels are kept! I cleaned it out and will look into the Damp Rid. Thanks!

bim38106 · October 2010

Crash*Into*Me:
bim~
Be on top of the washing & drying of the towels. Run them through on a load of warm or hot water. Immediately put them into the dryer and make sure they are fully dry.
Where do you store them? In a cabinet in the bathroom? You may need to clean that out, let it get some air and maybe add some Damp Rid to the space to get rid of excess moisture.

Thanks! I will try that. I think the problem stems from our dryer not fully drying them one time and I had left them in there a couple days, assuming they were dry.

DH does tend to take too many showers and throw a million wet towels onto the floor or into the laundry basket. I'll have to tell him to make sure they're dry first since they might sit in there a few days! I hadn't even thought of that being part of the problem...thanks!

jennmichael · October 2010

never knew this. thanks!

HOLLYMAR87 · October 2010

I never have this problem but I would think that making sure they get dried all the way right after you wash them will help. I also keep a little sachet of dried lavender hanging in my linen closet and it keeps everything smelling so nice and fresh!

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