I've noticed that my towels develop a mildewy smell after they get wet, even though I wash them every 2-4 uses and hang them on a hook to dry. They smell fine right out of the dryer, but as soon as they come in contact with moisture, the odor comes back. Is this a common issue? Could it be related to the quality of the towels or something else?
3 Answers
You might want to try drying your towels on a towel bar instead of a hook. When they’re bunched up, they don’t dry properly, which can lead to that funky smell. Make sure to spread them out as much as you can and consider running the bathroom fan or opening a window to reduce humidity. This could really help your towels dry quickly and smell fresh!
I’d recommend doing a vinegar soak before your next wash. It tackles the root cause of the smell instead of just masking it. Just add some vinegar to your wash or soak them in it for about 30 minutes before starting the wash. Just be cautious not to use it too often, as it can wear down any rubber parts in your washer.
I’ve done the vinegar soak, and it does help! But just like you said, I make sure not to overdo it.
Cleaning your washing machine regularly can also help. For front loaders, make sure to clean the soap drawer, the water sprayer, and check the door gasket for any mildew. If your washer is dirty, it might be leaving odors on your towels even after washing. And don’t forget to leave the washer door open after use to let it dry out!
Totally agree! I switched to hanging my towels outside the bathroom when possible, and it's made a huge difference in keeping them dry.