Towels that are forgotten to dry after washing will smell musty, making them uncomfortable to use. Luckily, you can get rid of this bad smell with some smart washing.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Washing Towels with Vinegar
Step 1. Wash the towels
Put a musty-smelling towel in the washing machine, and select the hottest water temperature. Add about a cup of white vinegar to it.
For now, you don't need to add detergent or fabric softener
Step 2. Soak the towel in the washing machine
Turn off the washing machine after the water and vinegar are thoroughly mixed. Then let the towel soak in the vinegar solution for about an hour. After that, restart the washing machine and allow the washing process to complete.
Step 3. Add vinegar and detergent
Next, you'll have to repeat the washing process, but at this point, add another cup of vinegar and your usual laundry detergent. Use the usual amount of detergent, and let the washing process run as usual, with just one extra spin.
You can select the " extra spin cycle " option if it is available in your washing machine, or repeat the spin after the first one is complete
Step 4. Immediately put the towel in the dryer
Place the towel in the dryer as soon as the second spin cycle is complete. Run the dryer on the highest setting and allow the towels to dry completely. Next, dry the towel in the machine again.
Method 2 of 3: Soaking Towels in Detergent and Hot Water
Step 1. Pour 2/3 cup Oxiclean or other household cleaner into a large bucket
If washing with vinegar and baking soda doesn't work to get rid of the musty smell on the towels, try soaking them in a solution of Oxiclean and hot water. To start, put 2/3 cup Oxiclean in a large bucket.
Wear gloves to protect your hands
Step 2. Pour hot water
Continue by pouring very hot water into the water. If the water from the tap is not too hot, pour boiling water into the bucket. Stir the Oxiclean until it dissolves in the water by tilting the bucket back and forth while pouring the water. However, be careful not to overturn the bucket or spill the hot water inside.
Step 3. Put the towel in the bucket
Once the bucket is half filled with hot water, put a towel in it. Make sure the towel is completely submerged in the water.
Leave the towel in the bucket and soak for about 48 hours
Step 4. Wash the towels in the washing machine
When finished soaking, remove the towel then wring it out. Next, machine wash the towels in the hottest water using detergent and fabric softener.
You can also add Oxiclean to the washing machine while washing the towels
Step 5. Dry the towel
After washing, immediately put the towel in the dryer. Dry the towels on high heat until they are completely dry. Your towels should come back like new after washing like this.
If your towels still smell musty after washing this way, you may need to replace them with new ones
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning the Musty Smell from the Washing Machine
Step 1. Check the washing machine for damage
If the water in the washing machine does not drain completely after the washing cycle is complete, this can cause a musty odor. Check the washing machine for damage to see if there is any standing water in it. If there is standing water, you may have to ask a professional repairman to repair the washing machine or replace it with a new one.
Step 2. Wash the washer gasket
The problem of musty smell on towels is sometimes caused by the washing machine. The gasket is a rubber layer inside the washing machine that prevents water leakage during the washing process. Therefore, cleaning the gasket is very important to remove the musty odor that comes from the washing machine. Wipe the gasket with a cloth dampened with soapy water, or spray it with a mildew cleaner. You can also use a 1:1 mixture of cleaning solution and bleach.
- Consider using an old toothbrush to reach hidden areas of the gasket.
- Be sure to clean the entire gasket area. You may have to pull the gasket slightly out of the way to reach the small dent in the rubber.
Step 3. Clean the detergent dispenser
Take the detergent dispenser out of the washing machine and scrub it with a mixture of water and a little dish soap. Soap residue or standing water in the detergent dispenser can also make the washing machine smell bad.
If the detergent dispenser cannot be removed from the washing machine, make every effort to clean the inside of the dispenser with a rag or bottle cleaning brush
Step 4. Turn on the washing machine
Make sure your washing machine is empty, then run the longest washing process on the highest temperature. If the washing machine still smells musty, try again. You may have to run several wash cycles to get rid of the musty smell. Consider adding one of the following to your washing machine:
- 1 cup bleach
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup enzymatic dishwasher detergent powder
- 1/2 cup commercial washing machine cleaner
- 1 cup vinegar
Step 5. Seek professional help
If none of the above will help remove the musty odor from your washing machine, you may need professional help to have it checked. There may be mold growing behind the washing machine drum, or there may be a clogged drain or filter in the washing machine.
A professional repairman can help you pinpoint the problem with the machine, and may also be able to help disassemble the washing machine to find the source of the odor if needed
Step 6. Prevent musty smell
Once you've identified the source of the musty odor, try to prevent it from reappearing. You may need to consider:
- Airing the washing machine. Leave the washer open when not in use. However, be careful because pets and toddlers can get caught in it.
- Use detergent wisely. Use a detergent that does not foam too much and is specially designed for high-efficiency washing machines. Powdered detergents are usually less foamy than liquid detergents. Also, do not use more detergent than recommended. Sometimes, less detergent is better for washing your clothes.
- Avoid using fabric softener. Liquid fabric softener tends to leave a residue that supports mold growth. So instead of liquid fabric softener, try using dryer sheets or dryer balls to soften your clothes.
- Drying washing machine gasket. Use a rag to dry the entire area around the gasket. Ideally, you should wipe the gasket after every wash. If not, try wiping the gaskets regularly about once a week to remove any mold trapped there.
- Cleaning the washing machine with bleach. Run the washing machine in hot water and bleach once a month. This is not only a great opportunity to disinfect the washing machine, but also to clean heavily soiled clothes such as muddy towels or work clothes.
Tips
- Prevent musty odors on towels by drying them to dry immediately after use. Consider adding a special shelf if there is currently not enough space available for your entire family.
- Use a laundry detergent that contains antifungal agents or bleach. This detergent can help reduce musty odors while preventing mold growth.
- Try drying the towels in the sun.
Warning
- Do not use bleach and ammonia in the same wash cycle as this combination can produce chlorine gas which is toxic and can be fatal.
- Excessive use of bleach, vinegar and other strong cleaning products can cause the cover and/or gasket of the washing machine to leak. In addition, the use of harsh chemicals can invalidate the washing machine warranty.
