Getting the mildew smell out of bath towels

[Coronet]

Hi all, my dear boyfriend has a problem (or at least I think it's a problem, I doubt he notices!). His towels all smell mildewy! I was so weirded out by this since all my towels I've ever had in my life have never smelled like this and even after me washing them for him in my washing machine/dryer they still smell mildewy.

I've read online that a good way to clean them is to put 2 cups of white vinegar in with them and wash them that way, but won't your clothing end up smelling like vinegar? Anyone had any experience with this?

I really want to help him get those towels smelling Febreeze fresh because I hate using his towels when I'm at his place! I think he's used to the smell so he doesn't notice, ugh.

[marvholly]

Vinegar is a good way to go. Do let them soak a bit. You might have to put them thru another full wash or just a rinse cycle to get the vinegar smell out. Sniff before drying.

Also, if the towels are white just do in bleach. Let soak a bit.

the REAL issue here is why they smell mildewy. I suspect he is NOT hanging them out after use.

[NolaP]

Or maybe he is leaving them in the washing machine too long before transferring them to the dryer? If he uses a laundry mat, sometimes the machines there smell like mildew and you just have to use a strong detergent. I think Tide makes the best detergent, and Tide with Febreeze or baking soda might do the trick. Or is he keeping the towels in a mildewy-smelling closet? That could do it too. If the towels are old, maybe you could consider buying him some new ones? A gift every guy loves to get, I'm sure. Lol. Good luck!

[khosta]

I live in the Caribbean and there is a "line" in the mountains, the "mildew line" - that if you live above it, your clothes, towels, comforters, everything starts to stink - especially when it rains! But we just wash everything as normal, weekly, and the smell disapears! It's odd that you can't get the smell out... maybe it's time to throw them out? Are they old? Stinky boyfriend towels are no bueno!!!

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

The towels won't smell like vinegar if you rinse them after the wash. Vinegar washes out very easily.

I'd try washing with bleach in the very hottest water. Dry at high heat, then follow up with a day on a clothesline in the full sun.

[MrPolarZero]

I suggests you to sink them in a basin of green tea. That would be a good way to kill all the bacterias on the clothes.

[YourLifeSolution]

just wash them in hot water and make sure they get dried completely. The issue isn't how you wash them, it is that they get completely dry.

[Frugal]

I have noticed this with towels at my house, and I think it is mainly because of the humidity or moisture in the air that fuels mold growth. Maybe it is mold? Not to scare you too much. I never did understand fully the difference between mold and mildew.

I had to simply throw certain towels out. They are ALWAYS hung out to dry, but it does not help. I would advise against using vinegar, as it can make your clothes stink. Be cautious with it.

Years ago, I read about using vinegar as a frugal hair rinse, to clarify the texture, and poured it on my hair outside on the lawn! Mistake! It stunk for days, and gave it a funky texture. Water cannot always easily get out the smell of vinegar, and it might very easily linger in your washing and drying machines!

Hope this helps.