How can you make old towels smell fresh again?

To make towels smell fresh again, first wash them with vinegar, then with detergent, and make sure they dry completely. Avoid fabric softener and, if needed, soak them in baking soda. This will naturally eliminate unpleasant odors caused by detergent residue, mold, and bacteria.

 

Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to do it!

 

1. Wash with vinegar 

• First wash: Run the towels in a washing machine with hot water and one cup of vinegar, but do not use any detergent. Keep in mind that vinegar sets color permanently, so any stains should be removed first.
  
  
  

2. Use the right amount of detergent

• Wash the towels again, this time with All-purpose laundry detergent, dosing according to the instructions. Choose a longer wash cycle, preferably at 60°C. 

 

3. Dry thoroughly

Make sure the towels dry completely after washing. Damp towels are a perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Dry the towels completely (i.e., until cupboard dry). A tumble dryer makes terry cloth fluffy and soft again, while line drying makes them somewhat rougher and not as “fluffy.”

• Tumble dryer: Use a tumble dryer to ensure that the towels are completely dry.
• Outdoors: If possible, hang the towels outside in the sun. The sun’s UV rays help kill bacteria.
  
  
  

4. Avoid fabric softener

 

Fabric softener can leave a coating on towels that reduces their absorbency and contributes to unpleasant odors. Instead, use all-purpose laundry detergent, which makes the laundry soft without fabric softener.

 

 

5. Deep cleaning

 

If the towels still smell, you may need a deeper clean:

• Soaking: Soak the towels overnight in a solution of warm water and one cup of baking soda before washing them as usual, preferably at a slightly higher temperature.

 

6. Extra tips

• Essential oils: Add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or tea tree, to the washing machine for an extra-fresh scent. Keep in mind that essential oils often contain several allergens; caution should be exercised when using all perfumes.
• Wash often: Wash towels regularly and do not leave them in the laundry basket for too long.

 

By following these steps, you can hopefully make your old towels smell fresh and feel like new again.

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1. How can you make towels smell fresh again?
Read the guide above and follow the steps.

 

2. Can you use essential oils to remove bad odors from towels?
Essential oils or other perfumes mask other odors, so they do not remove bad smells. Instead, you should try to wash them thoroughly and eliminate the bad odor.

 

3. How can you prevent them from starting to smell again?
Wash them often, do not store them while damp, and let them dry completely.