All of my bathroom towels have a stinky "musty" smell to them. I always wash my towels in very hot water and I'm sure not to overload the washer. I've also tried a vinegar solution. We have a front loading machine, and so I thought maybe that was part of the problem- so I used those tide washer cleaner packets several times to clean the machine. But the smell prevails. Why is it only our towels? And how can I get rid of the smell? Any tips would be very helpful. Thank you ladies!
Bleach is my go to remedy for towels. I fill my washer with bleach, detergent and hot water, then put the towels in and let them soak for about 15-20 minutes before I let the machine finish the cycle. On more wash with detergent only and warm water, pop them in the dryer with a bounce sheet - stinky smells gone.
Are you making sure they are totally dry before you fold & put them away?
Could it be the closet where they are stored that is stinky?
I would try adding baking soda when you wash your towels. Be sure to remove them as soon as the washing has stopped and make sure the towels are completely dry before folding and putting them away. I also looked up stinky towels and found the below link. I know you said you tried the vinegar solution, but maybe this is a different way. Hope it helps!
http://www.ehow.com/how_###-###-####_clean-stinky-towels....
I'm sure this is stating the obvious, but you are getting them out and putting them in the dryer immediately when the wash cycle finishes -right? I find that with towels, particularly, mine "sour" if left just a little while closed in the washer. Once it's in there -especially if they've gone through a dry cycle after souring, they need to be washed with Oxy clean or baking soda. It can take 2 cycles to get it out of them sometimes.
Going forward-the dirty towels have to be hung up and spread out to dry until wash day-you can put bleach in and wash the musty towels-let the bleach disperse so that they will fade out slightly and evenly without spots-this should help.
Add Borax, takes out the worst stink.
Try baking soda and vinegar together in the hottest water.
When you dry them - make sure you use the highest/hottest setting FOR TOWELS ONLY.
I can't use Tide - makes my skin red.
Use Arm & Hammer with baking soda - or the All Pure. Using too much soap can also cause this smell - believe it or not!!
Your linen closet may have mold from when a wet towel or washcloth was placed in there - remove all the towels, sheets, etc. from your linen closet - wipe the shelves down with a wipe - clorox based water - let it dry completely.
be sure to get them in the dryer as soon as their done. i have experienced this with my front load washer aswell when i dont get them in the dryer short after they are done, rewash them with bleach.
Bleach is somewhat toxic in the home and seriously bad for the environment. Before going to that solution, I'd try using borax (a natural 'sweetener' and mildew killer) in the wash cycle, and save the vinegar for the rinse cycle, if still needed.
I've heard there can be lots of mildew smells with front loaders. Leave the door open between washes so the drum can dry out completely, and see if that helps.
Good luck.
Gaby...
Tried and true method. I also have a front loader. Put your towels in. Add 1/8 cup of bleach. Wash as you normally would. Dry. Smells good!
Add baking soda to the pre-wash dispenser. Dry your towels immediately after the wash.
Good luck.
