How to Get Moldy Smell Out of Towels
Mold and mildew can grow on towels that are not properly dried, leaving behind an unpleasant musty smell. This can be a problem for towels that are used frequently, such as bath towels or kitchen towels. If you find that your towels have developed a moldy smell, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it.
One of the most important things you can do to prevent mold and mildew from growing on your towels is to make sure that they are completely dry before you store them. Hang towels up to dry after each use, and allow them to air out completely before folding them and putting them away. You can also put towels in the dryer on a low heat setting to help them dry more quickly.
Eliminating the Moldy Smell
If your towels have already developed a moldy smell, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it.
- Wash the towels in hot water with a bleach-based detergent. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that will kill mold and mildew spores. Be sure to follow the directions on the bleach bottle carefully, as too much bleach can damage your towels.
- If you do not want to use bleach, you can try washing the towels in hot water with a vinegar-based detergent. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can also help to remove mold and mildew. Add 1 cup of vinegar to the washing machine along with your regular detergent.
- Once the towels have been washed, dry them on a high heat setting in the dryer. The heat will help to kill any remaining mold spores. If the towels are still damp after being dried, hang them up to air dry completely.
- If the towels still have a moldy smell after being washed and dried, you may need to soak them in a vinegar solution. Fill a bucket or bathtub with warm water and add 1 cup of vinegar. Let the towels soak in the solution for at least 30 minutes, then rinse them thoroughly and dry them on a high heat setting in the dryer.
Tips for Preventing Mold and Mildew
In addition to following the tips above, there are a few other things you can do to help prevent mold and mildew from growing on your towels:
- Launder towels frequently. The more often you wash your towels, the less likely they are to develop a moldy smell.
- Hang towels to dry immediately after use. Do not leave towels in a pile on the floor or in the hamper, as this will create a moist environment that is ideal for mold and mildew growth.
- Store towels in a dry place. Do not store towels in a damp basement or bathroom, as this can increase the risk of mold and mildew growth.
- Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. A dehumidifier can help to prevent mold and mildew from growing in your home, including on your towels.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your towels fresh and free of mold and mildew.
FAQs
Q: Why do my towels smell musty?
A: Towels can smell musty if they are not properly dried. When towels are damp, they create a moist environment that is ideal for mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew can cause towels to develop a musty smell.
Q: How can I get rid of the musty smell from my towels?
A: There are several ways to get rid of the musty smell from towels. One way is to wash the towels in hot water with a bleach-based detergent. Another way is to wash the towels in hot water with a vinegar-based detergent. You can also try soaking the towels in a vinegar solution.
Q: How can I prevent my towels from smelling musty?
A: There are several things you can do to prevent your towels from smelling musty. One is to make sure that they are completely dry before you store them. You can also hang towels to dry immediately after use, store towels in a dry place, and use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.
Q: Is it safe to use bleach on towels?
A: Yes, it is safe to use bleach on towels. However, you should be sure to follow the directions on the bleach bottle carefully, as too much bleach can damage your towels.
Q: How often should I wash my towels?
A: You should wash your towels frequently, especially if you use them frequently. The more often you wash your towels, the less likely they are to develop a musty smell.
Conclusion
Mold and mildew can cause towels to develop a musty smell. By following the tips in this article, you can help to get rid of the musty smell from your towels and prevent it from coming back. If you are interested in learning more about how to prevent mold and mildew from growing in your home, you can find more information on the EPA’s website.
