Lance Carson
Towels can often smell musty or sour due to the growth of bacteria and mould, or because of detergent build-up. To prevent this, it is important to dry towels completely after using them and to reduce the time they sit wet. There are several ways to get rid of bad smells and infuse a pleasant fragrance into your towels. One way is to wash them with vinegar, baking soda, or borax, which help get rid of odours. You can also add a few drops of essential oils of your choice, such as lavender, lemon, or orange, to the wash cycle. Alternatively, you can use scented wool dryer balls or dryer sheets, or spray your towels with herbal infused water for a lasting scent.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash with | Vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, laundry detergent, borax, castile soap, or dish soap |
| Dry with | Dryer sheets, dryer balls, or air dry |
| Add | Essential oils, herbal infused water, or fabric softener |
| Store with | Sachets, soap bars, or baking soda |
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What You'll Learn
Use vinegar to wash towels
Using vinegar to wash towels is a great way to deodorize and refresh them. It is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to scented detergents and dryer sheets. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use vinegar to wash your towels:
Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar Solution
Mix a cup of white vinegar with hot water in a large bucket or your washing machine. The hot water will help to eliminate any bacteria or odours in the towels. You can also add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the mixture if you want to infuse a light fragrance into your towels.
Step 2: Soak the Towels
Submerge your towels in the vinegar solution and let them soak for at least an hour. This step ensures that the vinegar has enough time to penetrate the fibres of the towels and effectively remove any built-up detergent or odour-causing agents.
Step 3: Wash the Towels
After soaking, you can choose to wash the towels with your regular detergent. Use a mild, unscented detergent and avoid using fabric softener as it may reduce the absorbency of your towels. Set your washing machine to a hot water cycle to help eliminate any remaining odour-causing bacteria.
Step 4: Dry the Towels
Once the wash cycle is complete, dry your towels thoroughly. If using a dryer, set it to a low or medium heat setting. You can also line dry the towels, which is a more energy-efficient option. If you want to add a light fragrance to your towels, place them in the dryer with scented wool dryer balls. Add a few drops of essential oil to the balls before adding them to the dryer.
Step 5: Storage
To maintain the freshness of your towels, store them in a cool, dry place. Ensure the storage area is well-ventilated to prevent dampness and mildew, which can cause musty odours. You can also place a sachet of dried lavender, cloves, or orange peels in the storage area to keep your towels smelling pleasant.
By following these steps, you can effectively use vinegar to wash your towels, leaving them deodorized, soft, and fresh-smelling.
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Baking soda to neutralise odours
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an alkaline substance that neutralises acidic odours. It is a popular household cleaner that can be used to eliminate unwanted smells from towels.
To use baking soda to remove odours from your towels, start by washing your towels with hot water and one cup of vinegar. Then, wash them a second time, this time using hot water and half a cup of baking soda. If you have a standard washing machine, you can use one cup of baking soda instead. It is important to note that you should not add any soap or vinegar to the second wash—only add baking soda. Run a full cycle using hot water for both the wash and rinse cycle.
You can also add essential oils to the baking soda before adding it to the wash. Simply choose your desired essential oil and add three to five drops to the baking soda, shake well, and proceed with the wash as normal.
Baking soda can also be used to neutralise odours in enclosed spaces, such as refrigerators or closets. Place the baking soda in a vented jar or a shallow dish and allow it to sit, refreshing the powder every month or so.
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Dry towels completely
Drying your towels completely is essential to prevent mildew and musty odours, and even bacteria growth. It also helps to keep your towels soft and fluffy, and prevents damage to the fibres.
Firstly, it is important to understand the type of fabric your towel is made of. Towels are made from different fabrics, each with its own benefits. The most common fibre used in towels is 100% cotton. Cotton fibres are known for their softness, absorbency, and durability. However, not all cotton is created equal. For example, Egyptian cotton is known for its long fibres, which make for a softer and more absorbent towel. Microfibre towels are another popular option. These are made from synthetic fibres that are much finer than cotton fibres, making them more absorbent and quick-drying than cotton towels, although they may not feel as soft. Towel GSM refers to the weight of the towel per square meter. Generally, the higher the GSM, the more absorbent the towel, but also the heavier and longer it will take to dry.
If you are using a tumble dryer, always use a low heat setting when drying bath towels to prolong their life—high heat can damage the fibres. The best dryer setting for towels is the regular or automatic setting that you use for other durable fabrics. This will use the highest heat and be most efficient in getting the job done. Remove your towels from the machine one by one and shake each towel before putting it into the dryer. This reduces tangling and helps them dry faster. Dry towels only with other towels to minimise snags and pilling. Take towels out as soon as they’re dry, but not sooner. Even slightly damp towels can quickly mildew.
If you are air-drying your towels, start by wringing out your towel sheets thoroughly before hanging them up. This simple step removes excess water, speeding up the drying time significantly. When hanging them, ensure they're spread out to allow optimal airflow; avoid bunching or overlapping, which can slow down the process. If using a towel bar, folding them in thirds lengthwise helps maintain grip and promotes even drying. For the best outcome, choose a well-ventilated spot with ample airflow. In humid climates, consider using a dehumidifier to expedite drying and prevent that unpleasant musty odour from creeping in. Air-drying is an eco-friendly option that can help towels last longer. Air-drying towels outdoors in bright sunlight can help bleach white towels, but dark or coloured towels should be air-dried in the shade to avoid fading.
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Use dryer sheets for fragrance
Dryer sheets are a great way to add fragrance to your towels, but they can also be a source of build-up, leaving a waxy coating on your towels that reduces their absorbency. If you want to use dryer sheets, it's best to opt for reusable, eco-friendly options or make your own at home.
One option is to use paper towels. Simply spray a paper towel with your choice of perfume, essential oils, or fragrance spray, and throw it in the dryer with your towels. The heat from the dryer will activate the fragrance, and the higher the heat, the stronger the scent will be.
You can also make your own dryer sheets using fabric, essential oils, vinegar, and water. Cut an old T-shirt or blanket into strips, and mix 1/2 cup of distilled water, 1 1/2 cups of white vinegar, and 20 drops of your chosen essential oil in a bowl. Place the fabric strips into a jar, pour the mixture over them, and seal the jar. When you're ready to dry your towels, add one or two of these DIY dryer sheets to the dryer, and you'll have fresh-smelling towels.
If you're looking for a quicker option, you can use a fabric-softener-soaked sponge or wool dryer balls. Wool dryer balls are a great alternative to dryer sheets as they reduce drying time, keep towels fluffy and soft, and can be reused. Simply add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the balls before the drying cycle, and your towels will come out smelling great.
While dryer sheets are convenient, it's important to be mindful of the potential downsides, such as the build-up they can cause and the presence of toxic chemicals. By making your own dryer sheets or using alternative methods, you can enjoy fragrant towels without the negative side effects.
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Store with scented sachets
Storing your towels with scented sachets is a great way to keep them smelling fresh. Sachets are a good option for those with allergies, as synthetic fragrances can be irritating.
To make your own sachets, you can use any leftover fabric scraps, or buy small bags designed for this purpose. You can fill your sachets with dried herbs, spices, or citrus peels. Good options include lavender, mint, rosemary, eucalyptus, orange peels, cloves, vanilla, and natural cinnamon. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to the filling for extra fragrance. Once made, place the sachets with your towels in a drawer or closet. Remember to replace them every month or two for maximum fragrance.
Another option is to use baking soda, which is an effective deodorizer. Simply pour some into a shallow dish and place it in your linen closet.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to get fragrance into your towels. Firstly, you can use a high-quality detergent with odour-removal technology. Secondly, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the wash cycle. Thirdly, you can use dryer sheets for extra fragrance. Finally, you can use wool dryer balls with essential oils.
Popular essential oils for fragrancing towels include vanilla, lavender, tea tree, orange, lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus.
To prevent your towels from smelling bad, dry them completely after use and avoid leaving them in a humid environment.
To remove bad smells from your towels, wash them with vinegar, baking soda, or laundry detergent.
