What is the best way to keep bath towels smelling fresh?
Question:
Answers:
The important thing to remember is to not let them sit around damp, they get mildew and mold that you can't see and the smell is very hard to get out. Wash them often and as soon as possible after use and dry them completely so they don't get folded and put away damp. This is particularly important in a humid climate.
wash them often
Use a brand name fabric softener, either liquid in the washer or sheets in the dryer. When you fold them to put back in the closet, make sure the "older" ones go on top to use first, then put the fresher ones under. Put a sheet of fabric softener between the piles of clean towels.
Wash them after you use them & plenty fresh air. If you use them more than once, make sure you hang them near an open widow .
When you put them away in your linen closet. Put a downey fabric sheet in between each towel and that should keep them smelling fresh. Don`t use downey in your washer final rinse cycle as any fabric softner in your towels. It will make them not to absorb the water when you wipe after bathing!
Try some Febreeze. Its like 3 bucks
hang them to dry after use even if you are going to launder them keeps water from souring.
roll them with a sheet of fabric softner for storage. If they are stored in a cabinet put a fresh softner sheet in 1 x month this helps cut the smell pool water leaves behind too.
In the summer, they tend to mildew quicker. I wash mine every day or every other day. Make sure when you are finished that you hang them up where air can circulate around the entire towel, so it dries better. If your bathroom doesn't have good air flow, put a fan in there after you are finished to move the air, about 1/2 hour if you have the time. I also put white vinegar in the rinse cycle in the wash. (When the towel is dry, the smell is gone.) I also dry them outside in full sun to help stop the growth of bacteria that causes smell.
Use a good name brand detergent, bleach and hot water. Always follow the manufactures instructions on their product. Wash towels separately and dry thoroughly in dryer or on outside line. If they smell before washing, soak them in the detergent and bleach for at least 1 hour then let the machine run it's cycle. Use name brand name fabric softener or dryer sheets too. Store brands and less expensive brands DO NOT GET CLOTHES THEIR CLEAN AND FRESHEST. Make sure the water is good and hot.
Wash them regularly. Buy a fabric spray, and spray your bath towels. Febreeze is a good fabric spray to use. Once a week is when you should change them.
When washing, use 1/4 cup of baking soda in addition to your laundry detergent. I also use downy fabric softener.
More Related Questions & Answers...