A test of three methods to revive smelly towels found that white vinegar produced the most significant improvement, completely removing the musty odour. Baking soda left towels noticeably fresher but failed to eliminate the smell entirely, while stopping the use of fabric softener did not achieve the hoped-for outcome.
Towels are designed to absorb moisture, so they can eventually develop a musty odour. When towels remain damp for long periods, whether left in the washing machine, piled up after a shower, or draped in a poorly ventilated area, moisture becomes trapped in the fibres. This promotes bacterial growth, resulting in that unpleasant musty scent that can persist even after laundering. Fabric softeners can occasionally worsen the situation by creating a coating on the fibres, diminishing their ability to absorb water.
Baking Soda Shows Moderate Results
Baking soda, known for neutralising unpleasant odours, was the first method tested. Roughly half a cup was added to the washing machine drum along with the towels, and a standard warm cycle was run without any additional detergent or fabric softener.
The towels emerged noticeably fresher and smelt considerably cleaner than previously. However, a faint trace of that mustiness remained, especially once the towels had dried. The method performed moderately well, though it fell short of entirely removing the smell.
Stopping Fabric Softener Falls Short
Fabric conditioner is formulated to leave washing feeling softer and smelling pleasant, but towels differ slightly from other materials, and the conditioner can create a coating on them and diminish their absorbency. If towels are consistently washed with fabric conditioner, the accumulated residue can make them feel less fresh and dry less effectively.
For the experiment, fabric softener was abandoned entirely for approximately one month when laundering towels. The change was apparent, but it did not achieve the hoped-for outcome, and the towels remained less absorbent and somewhat musty.
White Vinegar Delivers the Best Outcome
White vinegar, a staple in the cleaning cupboard, produced the most significant improvement owing to the acidity breaking down deposits in the material. Roughly half a cup of white vinegar was poured into the washing machine's fabric softener compartment, and the towels were laundered as normal without fabric conditioner.
After the towels had completed washing and were fully dry, the musty odour had vanished, and they did not smell of vinegar either. They also felt fresher and less coated, which was especially evident.
