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Stinky towels

I'm more than a bit embarrassed about this. I'm finding that some of my towels are a bit whiffy even though they have been washed at 60. They smell ok when they are dry however as soon as they get the least bit wet they pong. Basically once you've run the towel over a wet body coming out the shower or, in my case, wiped your sweaty face at a spin class. I described it as a sweet, yeasty smell however hubby says it's sour so we can't even agree on that!


We only use gym towels or bath towels once so they are never wet them dried without being washed if that makes sense.


I've checked the washing machine in case the problem lay there however it smells ok and everything else is coming out ok. The soap drawer is spotlessly clean and I'm at a loss to know what's going on.


Some of the gym towels are about 6 months old so maybe it's just time to bin them and get fresh ones however the bath towels aren't old and they still have good absorbency.


Can anyone tell me where I'm going wrong?


Thanks
NO FARMS = NO FOOD
«13

Comments

  • Are they line/tumble dried as soon as they come out of the washer? Not being cheeky but sometimes if damp washing is left for a while before being dried it can smell horrible.
  • HOWMUCH
    HOWMUCH Posts: 1,296 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    Have you tried washing in white vinegar?

    Place your towels in machine with a up of white vinegar, nothing else.
    Then wash your towels in the normal way.
    Why pay full price when you may get it YS ;)
  • I would try a scoop of napisan with your normal soap powder
    Sealed pot challenge member 437
  • Are they line/tumble dried as soon as they come out of the washer? Not being cheeky but sometimes if damp washing is left for a while before being dried it can smell horrible.



    they go straight into the dryer as soon as they are finished (or outside if its a good day). I know what you mean though - I once rewashed a whole load of clothes because they had been washed overnight and I forgot to take them out in the morning, only remembering when I got home from work and I was convinced they smelt a bit.
    NO FARMS = NO FOOD
  • HOWMUCH wrote: »
    Have you tried washing in white vinegar?

    Place your towels in machine with a up of white vinegar, nothing else.
    Then wash your towels in the normal way.


    I hadn't tried that - will do that with the next batch.
    I would try a scoop of napisan with your normal soap powder


    I have napisan but have only ever used it for soaking - didn't think about adding a scoop to the load.


    Thank you both - at least I have 2 things to try :)
    NO FARMS = NO FOOD
  • Try freezing the dry towels to kill off any stubborn bugs which can be causing the pong :)
  • I would wash at ninety-five degrees with a spot of bleach.
  • worried_jim
    worried_jim Posts: 11,631 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    If nothing works, Aldi are selling some very nice towels at the moment, I've just replaced all mine.
  • I only ever wash towels at 95. I don't trust 60 to kill off bugs - I use Bold capsules and they always smell good.
    Jane

    ENDIS. Employed, no disposable income or savings!
  • Torry_Quine
    Torry_Quine Posts: 18,863 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I wash my towels at 40C like everything else and have never had this problem. Mine are used until they are worn out and some are years old. Do you really need to wash them after each use though as that seems excessive to me.
    Lost my soulmate so life is empty.

    I can bear pain myself, he said softly, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have -
    Diana Gabaldon, Outlander
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