How to Remove Mildew Smell and Bacteria From Towels

　　Many business owners may wonder how to get mildew and musty smells out of towels. The thickness of towels makes them ideal for moisture to collect, which is excellent since they exist to absorb excess water. However, too much moisture can be a deterrent.

　　That’s why you must allow your towels to dry completely after being used or washed. Removing your laundry from the washer right after it’s done is the easiest solution, but sometimes life gets away from us and a freshly washed load gets left in longer than it should. Towels left in the washer or dryer may produce bacteria due to the dampness of towels or the dark space of the machine.

　　However, if you know how to clean towels properly, you can live free of musty, smelly towels. There are several ways to wash your towels properly, and you can even target the potential source of the problem: your washing machine and dryer.

　　Here are a few things you can do to make your towels look new again.

　　1. Double Detergent Deep Clean

　　Depending on how much mildew and bacteria are present on your towels, two simple towel-only loads with your regular detergent may solve your problem. You must run two cycles, one after the other, using a moderate amount of detergent.

　　Remember to avoid fabric softener, as it can leave residue and buildup on your towels, which will only encourage more bacteria to grow. Towels often soak up fabric softener, making it harder to wash off the coated chemicals in the washing machine. That layer of fabric softener not only keeps the towels from being adequately washed but also keeps them from becoming completely dry, allowing bacteria to multiply.

　　Ensure you use the right amount of detergent when washing the towel loads. Too much detergent may cause adverse effects. Because of the absorbency of towels, your washing machine may not be able to wash away all of the detergent, which will then build up and keep your towels from being as absorbent as they should be. Detergents are designed to use a small amount, so use only the recommended amount on the bottle.

　　2. Vinegar Deep Clean

　　Household white vinegar is a lifesaver in many ways. As a natural cleaner free of artificial chemicals, ensuring your towels come out fresh and free of mildew is one of its perks.

　　White vinegar helps your washing machine get those stubborn layers of fabric softener and detergent off your towels, and the acidity of vinegar kills the harmful bacteria before they can grow anymore. Start by loading your washer with several towels and add one cup of vinegar. Run the washing machine on the hottest setting possible.

　　After washing the load with vinegar, rewash it on a regular cycle with a moderate amount of detergent. Then, immediately move the washed towels to the dryer, dry them on the hottest cycle, and ensure they are totally dry before removing them.

　　Remember not to leave the towels in the washing machine after the wash is done — otherwise, all your hard work will be for nothing since damp towels will begin to grow bacteria quickly.

　　3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Deep Clean

　　While vinegar is a miracle worker, it becomes a superstar when coupled with baking soda.

　　You’ll need to run two towel-only loads to perform this deep clean. But, in this method, you first load the towels with a quarter cup of baking soda. Then run the washing machine on the hottest cycle possible. Heat kills harmful bacteria, so the hot water washed with the baking soda is like a deep clean.

　　After the baking soda wash, rerun the washing machine — using the hottest cycle, of course — along with a full cup of white vinegar. Once they are done in the washer, move the towels to the dryer and ensure they get completely dried before putting them away.

　　This method is perfect for removing bacteria from your towels because the vinegar acid will break down deposits and grime on your towels, which your machine will wash away. Baking soda is known for neutralizing odors, thanks to the fact that baking soda is an alkaline substance. It absorbs foul smells and breaks down and dissolves dirt and grease, which is why it’s such a favorite to keep foul odors out of your fridge.

　　Though this method is effective, be sure you do not mix vinegar and baking soda in the same load. Both natural cleaners may effectively reduce odors and stains, but when paired together, they produce a foam that may harm your towels and machine.