That’s not exactly what you want to rub on your face after a shower
Last week one of our Twitter followers asked about why her towels come out of the wash smelling like mildew. We understand her concern – that’s not exactly what you want to rub on your face after a shower.
The first question is whether it’s just the towels or all clothing that comes out of the wash missing that fresh scent. If all clothes smell funky, it could be your washing machine. The front loading machines have a problem with mildew growing in the water lines and other areas of the washer where bleach in the actual wash barrel can’t reach. If you suspect your washing machine might be the culprit, contact the manufacturer. If you don’t get a prompt response, send them your yuckiest-smelling towel. (Just kidding – sort of)
If it’s just the towels that smell bad, be sure you’re washing them often. As they should be, towels are absorbent but that also means they can hold onto dampness and develop a mildew smell that has simply permeated the towel. Also, be sure you’re washing the towel in hot water and use bleach or color-safe bleach every few washes.
Here’s a 1 with some additional tips on eliminating smelly-towel syndrome: don’t overload the washing machine so towels are thoroughly cleaned; use white vinegar or baking soda in the wash; and try drying your towels the old-fashioned way – out in the sunshine.
Have other ideas? Please share them – we’re always eager to hear additional solutions.
Last week one of our Twitter followers asked about why her towels come out of the wash smelling like mildew. We understand her concern – that’s not exactly what you want to rub on your face after a shower.
The first question is whether it’s just the towels or all clothing that comes out of the wash missing that fresh scent. If all clothes smell funky, it could be your washing machine. The front loading machines have a problem with mildew growing in the water lines and other areas of the washer where bleach in the actual wash barrel can’t reach. If you suspect your washing machine might be the culprit, contact the manufacturer. If you don’t get a prompt response, send them your yuckiest-smelling towel. (Just kidding – sort of)
If it’s just the towels that smell bad, be sure you’re washing them often. As they should be, towels are absorbent but that also means they can hold onto dampness and develop a mildew smell that has simply permeated the towel. Also, be sure you’re washing the towel in hot water and use bleach or color-safe bleach every few washes.
Here’s a 1 with some additional tips on eliminating smelly-towel syndrome: don’t overload the washing machine so towels are thoroughly cleaned; use white vinegar or baking soda in the wash; and try drying your towels the old-fashioned way – out in the sunshine.
Have other ideas? Please share them – we’re always eager to hear additional solutions.
Last week one of our Twitter followers asked about why her towels come out of the wash smelling like mildew. We understand her concern – that’s not exactly what you want to rub on your face after a shower.
The first question is whether it’s just the towels or all clothing that comes out of the wash missing that fresh scent. If all clothes smell funky, it could be your washing machine. The front loading machines have a problem with mildew growing in the water lines and other areas of the washer where bleach in the actual wash barrel can’t reach. If you suspect your washing machine might be the culprit, contact the manufacturer. If you don’t get a prompt response, send them your yuckiest-smelling towel. (Just kidding – sort of)
If it’s just the towels that smell bad, be sure you’re washing them often. As they should be, towels are absorbent but that also means they can hold onto dampness and develop a mildew smell that has simply permeated the towel. Also, be sure you’re washing the towel in hot water and use bleach or color-safe bleach every few washes.
Here’s a 1 with some additional tips on eliminating smelly-towel syndrome: don’t overload the washing machine so towels are thoroughly cleaned; use white vinegar or baking soda in the wash; and try drying your towels the old-fashioned way – out in the sunshine.
Have other ideas? Please share them – we’re always eager to hear additional solutions.
