How to Freshen and Deodorize Sour Smelling Towels

Keep your towels smelling fresh with natural products.

Nothing takes away that clean feeling faster than stepping out of the shower and drying off with a towel that smells less than fresh. When mildew begins to accumulate on fabrics, they take on a sour odor. If your towels sat in the washing machine too long or were damp and left in a laundry hamper, mildew may have begun to take advantage of the situation. Eliminating these mildew spores leaves your towels smelling fresh and clean.

Things You'll Need

• Soft-bristled brush
• Bleach-free laundry detergent
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Scented dryer sheet

Instructions

1. Take the towels outside and inspect them for visible traces of mildew. Brush any visible accumulations away with a soft bristle brush.

2. Place the towels in the washing machine and set it to the hottest water setting.

3. Add a bleach-free powdered or liquid laundry detergent to the wash along with a cup of baking soda.

4. Pour in 1 cup of white vinegar when the towels reach the rinse cycle.

5. Remove the towels from the washing machine as soon as they are done washing.

6. Move the towels to the dryer and add a scented fabric softener sheet. Remove the towels they are almost dry.

7. Hang the towels outside to finish air drying in the sunshine. Sunlight and fresh air are an effective combination for eliminating lingering mildew spores and residual odors.

Tips & Warnings

• If the weather isn't appropriate for air drying, allow the towels to finish drying in the dryer.

• If there is any visible mildew present that needs to be brushed away before washing, protect yourself with gloves, glasses and a mask.

References

• University of MIssouri Extension; How to Prevent and Remove Mildew --- Home Methods; Wanda Eubank, et al.; April 1998
• Home Ec 101; Sour Smelling Towels; Heather Solos
• "The Washington Post"; Tainted Towels; Heloise; November 2006
• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension; Odors? What's That Smell?; Linda R. Adler; January 1997