HOW TO GET RID OF SMELLY TOWELS

How to Get the Softest and Freshest Towels: Tips and Tricks

Towels are an essential part of our daily routine. We use them to dry ourselves after showering, swimming, or exercising. However, after multiple uses, towels can start to develop a musty and unpleasant odor. Additionally, towels can lose their softness over time and become rough on the skin. In this article, we will discuss how to get the softest and freshest towels with tips and tricks that are easy to follow.

1. Why Do Towels Develop a Musty Smell?

Before we delve into how to remove the smell from towels, it’s important to understand why towels develop a musty odor in the first place. Towels are highly absorbent, which means that they can trap moisture easily. When towels are left damp for too long, bacteria can start to grow, causing unpleasant odors.

2. Wash Your Towels Frequently

One of the easiest ways to prevent your towels from developing a musty smell is to wash them frequently. It’s recommended to wash towels after every three to four uses, depending on how often you use them. This will help prevent bacteria from forming on your towels.

3. Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Using too much detergent can leave a residue on your towels, which can make them feel stiff and rough. This can also contribute to the musty smell. Use the right amount of detergent as indicated on the label. If your towels are heavily soiled, you can add a little extra detergent, but be sure to rinse them thoroughly.

4. Avoid Fabric Softeners

While fabric softeners can make your towels feel soft and fluffy, they can also leave a residue that reduces absorbency and can contribute to the musty smell. Instead, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove any soap residue and leave your towels smelling fresh.

5. Dry Your Towels Properly

Drying your towels properly is key in preventing them from developing a musty odor. Avoid leaving your towels in a damp heap, as this can promote the growth of bacteria and mildew. Instead, hang your towels on a towel rack or hook to dry completely.

6. Use a Dryer Sheet

Adding a dryer sheet to your dryer can help reduce static and leave your towels smelling fresh. Avoid using too many dryer sheets, as they can leave a residue that can make your towels feel stiff.

7. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help remove any musty smells from your towels. Add half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle along with your detergent.

8. Use Borax

Borax is another natural cleaner that can help remove any odors from your towels. Add half a cup of borax to your wash cycle along with your detergent.

9. Air-Dry Your Towels

If you don’t have a dryer or prefer to air-dry your towels, make sure to hang them in a well-ventilated area to dry completely. Avoid hanging your towels in direct sunlight, as this can cause them to fade over time.

10. Shake Out Your Towels

Before hanging your towels to dry, give them a good shake to fluff them up. This will help prevent them from becoming stiff and rough.

11. Use Drying Balls

Drying balls are another option if you want to fluff up your towels without using fabric softeners. They work by agitating the fibers of your towels, making them feel soft and fluffy.

12. Use a Towel Warmer

If you want to add a little luxury to your towel routine, invest in a towel warmer. Towel warmers work by heating your towels, making them feel warm and cozy after a shower.

13. Use a Fragrance Booster

If you want your towels to smell extra fresh, consider using a fragrance booster. These are specially designed to be added to your wash cycle, leaving your towels smelling clean and fresh.

14. Use White Vinegar

As mentioned earlier, white vinegar is an excellent natural deodorizer. You can add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove any soap residue and leave your towels smelling fresh.

15. Use Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another natural cleaner that can help remove any odors from your towels. Add half a cup of lemon juice to your wash cycle along with your detergent.

16. Use Essential Oils

If you want to add a little scent to your towels, consider using essential oils. Lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint are great options. Add a few drops to your detergent or use a fragrance booster with essential oils.

17. Iron Your Towels

If you want to add a little extra softness to your towels, consider ironing them. This will help the fibers of your towels relax, making them feel softer and more luxurious.

18. Store Your Towels Properly

Storing your towels properly can help prevent them from developing a musty smell. Avoid storing your towels in a damp or humid area, as this can promote the growth of bacteria and mildew. Instead, store your towels in a dry and well-ventilated area.

19. Replace Your Towels

If you’ve tried all of these tips and your towels still have a musty smell or feel rough, it may be time to replace them. Towels should be replaced every two years or so, depending on how often you use them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I wash my towels?
A: It’s recommended to wash towels after every three to four uses, depending on how often you use them.

Q: Can I use fabric softeners on my towels?
A: While fabric softeners can make your towels feel soft and fluffy, they can also leave a residue that reduces absorbency and can contribute to the musty smell. Instead, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove any soap residue and leave your towels smelling fresh.

Q: How do I store my towels properly?
A: Storing your towels properly can help prevent them from developing a musty smell. Avoid storing your towels in a damp or humid area, as this can promote the growth of bacteria and mildew. Instead, store your towels in a dry and well-ventilated area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, keeping your towels soft and fresh doesn’t have to be a chore. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can ensure that your towels always feel luxurious and smell great. Remember to wash your towels frequently, use the right amount of detergent, avoid fabric softeners, dry your towels properly, and use natural cleaners like baking soda, borax, white vinegar, and lemon juice. Don’t forget to store your towels properly and replace them every few years. With these tips and tricks, you’ll never have to deal with musty or rough towels again!