Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie has shared a straightforward method to remove musty smells from tea towels, recommending a laundry cleanser rather than vinegar or bicarbonate of soda.
Tea towels are a kitchen staple, yet they can quickly absorb unpleasant odours. Mainly used for drying dishes, they also prove invaluable for mopping up spills and drying hands. Given their versatility, tea towels can become dirty quickly. While a spin in the washing machine can tackle stains and grime, it can still retain a lingering, musty odour.
How to keep tea towels smelling fresh
Despite appearing clean, hidden bacteria and dirt can remain. Lynsey responded after one of her followers asked about tea towels that look clean but carry a "musty, unclean smell". In a video posted to her social media channel, she said: "Let's be honest and hold our hands up, even I can do this, we're a tea towel abuser. Your poor little tea towel doesn't just wash dishes; it does so much more. So how do we keep it clean?"
When it comes to choosing the right tea towels, Lynsey advised opting for terry tea towels, which have a thicker texture than smooth cotton or linen alternatives. To wash her tea towels, Lynsey uses a laundry detergent in her washing machine. She said: "It is just going to give them that extra boost, kill the bacteria and keep your tea towels looking as good as new."
Fans share their own tips
Lynsey's fans have similarly discovered the benefits of using a laundry cleanser. One said: "I love Dettol Laundry Cleanser. I use it every other wash on its own." Another added: "I love the laundry cleansers." Someone else commented: "Thank you for the advice @lynsey_queenofclean was looking at my tea towels thinking they needed something stronger to wash them in."
How to remove tea towel stains
Lynsey recommended using white vinegar to keep tea towels' pristine appearance. Just spray or apply it directly onto marks such as sauce splashes or food residue. The cleaning expert explained: "Liberally spray it on the stain and leave it for 15 minutes before washing."
Avoid using fabric softener during the wash cycle, as Lynsey warns it can reduce the tea towel's absorption. For white tea towels specifically, Lynsey suggested adding "a big scoop" of bicarbonate of soda to your laundry load. This can restore brightness to whites and help them appear freshly laundered once more.
