Nothing beats wrapping yourself in a fresh, soft towel after a shower, but without proper care, they can quickly turn musty. This occurs when towels fail to dry adequately between uses, enabling mildew and bacteria to accumulate. Leaving towels in a warm, damp environment provides the perfect breeding ground for fungal growth and bacteria.
The Simple Natural Solution
Cleaning expert and TikTok guru Chantel Mila recently revealed her go-to trick for banishing those unpleasant musty smells, and it couldn't be simpler. All you need is a single natural ingredient that is a firm favourite amongst cleaning enthusiasts: bicarbonate of soda, commonly known as baking soda.
Before placing your towels in the washing machine, Chantel advises coating them generously with bicarbonate of soda, which will work to eliminate any unwanted odours. The bicarbonate of soda functions as a neutralising agent, absorbing the oils that contribute to those unpleasant smells. Simply apply a liberal amount to your towels before popping them in the washing machine on a standard cycle.
How Baking Soda Works
Bicarbonate of soda tackles unwanted odours by neutralising the acidic compounds within the towels that are responsible for the smell. The odour particles are broken down in the process, either significantly reducing or completely eliminating them. Over time, detergent and fabric softeners coat the fibres, trapping odour-causing bacteria within. Bicarbonate of soda effectively breaks down this bacteria.
It also acts as a natural water softener, enabling detergents to perform more effectively while restoring towels to their former fluffy glory. This method of applying bicarbonate of soda to towels is particularly effective at tackling unpleasant smells from sources such as smoke, perspiration, and even vomit.
Expert Tips for Best Results
Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids, revealed to Martha Stewart that bicarbonate of soda can take up to 24 hours to fully absorb odours. This handy trick can also be applied to a range of other fabrics too. Kathy explained: "Depending on what types of odors you are trying to get rid of, protocol for using baking soda may change. For instance, on vacuumable surfaces like carpets, rugs, and mattresses, you can sprinkle baking soda and let sit for up to an hour then simply vacuum it up."
For enclosed spaces like a refrigerator or closet, you can keep baking soda in a vented jar and allow to sit, refreshing the powder every month or so. This versatile ingredient is a must-have for any household looking to maintain freshness without harsh chemicals.
