Get Rid Of The Damp Smell From Towels
We use towels all the time, which is why they tend to get dirty. Furthermore, due to contact with the skin and water, they become a receptacle for fungi and bacteria, as well as giving off bad odors. Specifically, in this article we explain how to get rid of the damp smell from towels.
Nobody likes having to use a towel that smells bad. That is why, in addition to washing them regularly, you need to know how to neutralize this unpleasant aroma. In this article we offer you some tips.
Tips to get rid of the damp smell from towels
It is recommended that towels be air-dried immediately after use to prevent unpleasant odors. In addition to this, it is good to change them frequently since the accumulation of moisture and microorganisms favors this problem.
If it is already evident, there are several solutions to solve it. In the following lines we share the best tricks to be adopted at home. Take note!
Avoid putting them in the dirty laundry basket
Don’t make this mistake! If it’s time to wash your towels, do it now. Putting them in the dirty laundry basket and waiting several days before washing them can increase bad smells.
Dirty fabrics contain germs which aggravate the problem. In addition to this, leaving them dirty for a long time causes them to acquire a worn and yellowish appearance.
Use a moderate amount of detergent
The first tip to get rid of the damp smell from towels is to use a moderate amount of detergent or liquid soap. Although these products facilitate cleaning and disinfection, if used in excess they can deteriorate the fabrics.
In addition to this, when soap residue remains in the towel fabric, it is more likely to acquire a bad smell again when used. Soap buildup is the reason the towel loses its absorbency.
Baking soda to remove the damp smell from towels
We can replace the laundry detergent with baking soda, especially when the towels have acquired a bad smell. Thanks to its properties, it removes mold, eliminates bacteria and frees fabrics from dirt.
It is one of the products featured in the Homemade Household Cleaners publication of the Department of Food and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Florida due to its effectiveness in disinfecting and eliminating bad odors.
Instructions for Use:
- Add a cup of baking soda to a bucket of hot water.
- Then put the towel to soak for 20 minutes.
- After this time, rinse it as usual and let it dry in the open air.
- If the towel has stains that are difficult to remove, apply baking soda directly and rub.
- Also, if you prefer, you can add the product to the normal washing machine cycle.
White vinegar to get rid of the damp smell from towels
Another natural product that is very useful for removing the damp smell from towels is white vinegar. This ingredient neutralizes bad odor ; moreover, as the study published in the Journal of Food Science shows , it is also useful for fighting fungi and bacteria.
On the other hand, it keeps the fabrics in good condition and removes the residues that cause the stains and the worn look. Finally, it is perfect to replace traditional fabric softeners.
Instructions for Use:
- The first option is to add it to the washing cycle of the washing machine.
- If you prefer to use it in hand washing, we advise you to dilute it in hot water. Then let the towels soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
- In case of stubborn stains, rub the product directly onto the towel.
Store towels properly
Once you’ve gotten rid of the bad smell from your towels, it’s time to keep them clean and prevent this problem from coming back by making sure you put them away once they’re dry.
Whether you dry them in the open air or in the dryer, you need to make sure they are dry before folding and storing them. The ideal, then, is to check the place where you store them, as thick promotes humidity (as happens in the case of some cabinets).
In cabinets where there is moisture, place small bags containing salt, coffee or rice. This simple trick helps absorb moisture and prevents bad odors.
Do you notice an unpleasant smell coming from the towels? Do they look dirty and worn? Take note of these tips and take them into account from now on.
