Why do towels get smelly after one use even if you have used good soap and fabric softner?

Answer 1

If you have a standard top loading washer, do you take the towels out of the washer right away after they have been washed? If you don't, and they sit in there too long the fabrics start to smell like mildew. This may be the aswer to your problem. You may not smell it after they are dried, but once the towel is used and becomes wet it will bring the smell out. You might also want to try and add oxiclean in your washer when you wash them to remove the smell. 20 Mule team Borax might also help. However, the problem may be due to using a new style, front loading, High Efficiency washer. These washers have a history of odor problems. Mold and mildew grow in the machine when it sits idle. If the idle period is too long, a lot of stuff can grow. This gets transfered to the laundry. The problem can come and go depending on how much the machine is used. If you have mildew smells you probably have intermitient itching/rash problems with underwea or diapers. With these machines it does not matter how fast you remove the laundry from the machine. You need to control the growth to eliminate the problem. Look for cleaning products like Affresh, Nu Fresh or Purewasher. These all claim to clean the machine.

Answer 2

Towels can develop a musty smell if they are not allowed to dry completely between uses. Bacteria and mildew thrive in damp environments, leading to the unpleasant odor. Using too much detergent or fabric softener can also create a residue that traps bacteria and causes the smell. Consider washing towels in hot water with vinegar to eliminate odor-causing bacteria.