Anyone have any ideas on how to get the wet towel smell out of my clean towels, I have tried everything.?

Question

I have changed detergents, used differnt dryer sheets, dryed the towels over and over again, put in a smaller load. I know they get clean but the smell drives me crazy I just can't get that clean towel smell. Somtimes they smell ok right out of the dryer but then after one use the smell is back. I finally got tired of it and threw most of the towels away and bought new ones, well low and behold the new ones now have the small too. My cloths don't smell bad it's just the towels. Help please !!!

Answer 1

First hang your towels to dry (back of door hanger, over the shower rod) then wash them when dry. To get rid of the exsisting smell try washing with vinigar or baking soda!

Answer 2

re wash with Little I mean Little bleach. let soak 1hr. then wash as usual. Try also tide det. & either little bleach or i personally like mr. clean anti bacteria spray. let this too soak 1hr. finally air dry if you can outside. hope this helps..

Answer 3

Wash like colours at 60 degrees and use a fabric softener. It sounds as if you are not drying them properly before putting them away.

Answer 4

Vinegar will do wonders for stinky towels. Add about a cup in the rinse cycle or fill up a downey ball. It get that funk right out and even softens them up a little.  

Answer 5

You are allowing the towels to stay damp in the hamper.  No matter what you do the odor of mold will be there.   Buy white towels only and use bleach.  That's what hotels do.

Answer 6

I have this same problem with my new front loader.  If you don't take your clothes out within 12 hours or so, they get this mildew smell.  

Unfortunately, dryer sheets don't do the trick for long.  As soon as the towels get wet again, they stink.

I use an odor neutraulizer.  You can find them at most stores like Target, Sams, Lowe's, etc.  It's the same stuff people use for pet stains.  (Make sure it's fabric safe.)

Add it to your wash.  I put it where the fabric softener would go.  Then, wash as usual.  This gets the smell every time.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Half a cup of white vinegar in your wash on a long cycle and make sure they are drying properly. Don't use liquid detergent, it doesn't include bleaching agents and doesn't wash as good, plus it gunks your washing machine up.

Answer 8

Soak them in water with a couple of tablespoons of bleach. Let them soak overnight, then wash as normal. No more smell. I promise this works.

Answer 9

The next time you wash your towels, try putting some white vinegar in the washing machine with the towels, they should smell nice and clean after that.

Answer 10

Soak them in Lysol.and hot water.Use hot ,hot water unless it will shrink fabric.Follow directions on the label. Wash with 20 Mule Team Borax  and Tide with alternative bleach if colored or your regular detergent Borax  and Clorox anti allergen formula for whites.Found in the detergent section of your grocery store.If your washing machine has a soak feature that would be great.Don't allow the towels to stay in the washer take them out right away and dry. If you have a clothesline leave them on the line for a few days and the sun will do a good job.What you have is mold and mildew and it is a fungus that clings to the fibers of cloth and reproduces that nasty smell.I tried everything for some linens that got flooded and the Lysol was the only thing that worked to kill the smell.Try to get the pine scented kind if you can find it.You don't want mildew or mold near your face from the towels breathing that can cause headaches to sinus problems.Wipe down the inside of your dryer with Clorox or Lysol leave on 10 minutes and be sure to rinse it very well.Towels are made to absorb anything.NEVER use ammonia and bleach together the chemical reaction can KILL you.