Few things beat wrapping yourself in a fresh, fluffy towel after a shower, but without proper maintenance, towels can quickly develop a musty odor. This occurs when towels fail to dry thoroughly between uses, allowing mildew and bacteria to thrive in warm, damp environments.
The Simple Baking Soda Solution
Cleaning expert and TikTok creator Chantel Mila has revealed a straightforward trick to eliminate unpleasant musty smells using a single natural ingredient: bicarbonate of soda, commonly known as baking soda. Before placing towels in the washing machine, Chantel advises coating them generously with baking soda. This helps neutralize unwanted odors by absorbing oils that contribute to the smell.
How Baking Soda Works
Baking soda functions as a neutralising agent. It breaks down acidic compounds responsible for odors, significantly reducing or eliminating the smell entirely. Over time, detergent and fabric softeners coat towel fibers, trapping odor-causing bacteria. Baking soda effectively breaks down this bacteria. Additionally, it acts as a natural water softener, enabling detergents to perform more effectively while improving towel softness and fluffiness.
Application Tips
Simply apply a liberal amount of baking soda to the towels before putting them in the washing machine and running a standard cycle. This technique is particularly effective at tackling unpleasant smells caused by smoke, perspiration, and even vomit.
Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations of Two Maids, told Martha Stewart that baking soda can take up to 24 hours to fully neutralise odors. She explained that the protocol may vary depending on the type of odor. For vacuumable surfaces like carpets, rugs, and mattresses, sprinkle baking soda, let it sit for up to an hour, then vacuum. For enclosed spaces like a refrigerator or closet, keep baking soda in a vented jar and refresh the powder every month or so.
