How to Get a Sour Smell Out of Towels in a Front-loading Washer
There are few things nicer at the end of a shower or bath than grabbing a fresh-smelling towel. The experience can be unpleasant, however, if the towel was allowed to linger in the washing machine too long after being washed, and the towel smells musty and sour. If your towels have been left in the washer too long, or if they smell sour for any other reason, you can take steps to regain their freshness. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Run an empty wash cycle in the machine at the highest temperature. This will ensure that any odor-causing mildew is neutralized before you wash your towels. Make sure there is no debris lodged in the rubber seal around your machine's door. Inspect the seal, and clean it with a cloth and a little bleach.
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Separate your bath towels into small loads. Overloading your washer can stop it from washing properly. Fill your machine's drum to only half its volume.
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Along with your detergent, add a cup of baking soda to the wash, which is known for its odor-neutralizing qualities.
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Wash your towels on the highest temperature recommended by the manufacturer.
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Stop your machine for 30 minutes during the soak cycle of the wash to allow the detergent and baking soda to work on your towels.
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Remove your towels from the washer as soon as the wash cycle ends. Any damp fabrics left in your machine at the end of the wash will start to sour.
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Hang your towels to dry outside in the fresh air. If you must use a dryer, add a fabric softener sheet, and dry your towels on the highest setting recommended by the manufacturer.
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