How do I stop dish towels from smelling even after they've been washed?

Question

When I wash my dish towels, they come clean but as soon as they get wet again they smell. That smell even gets on the dishes and my hands, so that after using a few times, I have to get new ones to avoid this. Is there anything that makes them not smell?

Answer 1

The only thing that I have found to make them stop smelling is to either 1) Soak them in a bleach solution or 2) With sponges, put some liquid dishwasher machine soap on them (doesn't take alot) add some water and work the soap through. It seems that the bleach in the dishwasher soap kills the bacteria.

It's advisable to wear gloves if you do the 2nd option and you may have to do it every 3 or 4 days for sponges, but they won't smell in the meantime.

Answer 2

When you use new towels from the store, they develop this stink after being used and before being washed?? It sounds like there is a problem with the dishes. Stupid question, but are you washing the dishes by hand or in a machine. If machine, are you removing all food from the dishes before washing them? If the towels are picking up food as they dry, then the food is rotting on them and causing the odour. Do you have pets that are laying or doing their thing on the towels? This is another source of odour. Finally, as suggested earlier, does you water smell? You may need to add filtration to the water system if there is a problem here.

Answer 3

If it smells bad, then it isn't clean. Clean smells good - dirty smells bad. Change your sheets as often as possible, and wash your comforter/blanket once a week. Vacuum at least once a week. Take dirty clothes to the laundry room - not on the floor or in closet of your room. Don't leave dirty dishes or 1/2 full cans of soda. Don't leave wet towels in your bedroom. All of these things can make it smell. You can also get a plug-in air freshener to keep it smelling nice.

Answer 4

I put my smelly dish towels/rags and sponges in the DISHWASHER on the TOP RACK ONLY about Once a Week together along with a load of dishes. Run the dishwasher under normal heat setting, and that should do the trick! If it still smells after a dishwasher run, then you gotta toss it for a new one. Good Luck.

Answer 5

mine too. Try some Febreze for the wash. You toss in a capful with your soap, and it helps. I have a kiddo who just cannot keep the streak outta his dawers. Seriously.....and the only way to get them clean and get the smell out is to use Febreze. Works well too. (Or I could bop him every time and/or toss the drawers, but eventaully I'd just have to buy new ones, right?)
And why does the dishtowls thing happen anyway? I have that same problem!!! Totally makes me want throw them away!!!

Answer 6

Eeeewww! They're moldy! Try washing them with a little bleach and make sure they're completely dry before you put them away.

After you use them, make sure they're allowed to dry before you hang them back up (assuming you use a towel ring or hook). I usually hang mine on the handle on the oven door or put one of the short sides just into a drawer and shut it. That way, they can dry completely.

Some people have those towel holders under the sink - I wouldn't use one of those - mold grows best in warm, damp, dark places.

Answer 7

to avoid this- make sure towels are not wadded up- lay flat or hang up to dry. Use a cup of vinegar in the wash or rinse cycle of the wash machine- this or bleach should take care of it. If the towels are bleachable, use half cup of bleach, and half cup of vinegar in the wash cycle. NO fabric softner- it coats your towels and causes them to be less absorbant.

Answer 8

Put some white vinegar in the wash. about 1 cup. gets just about all smells out.

Answer 9

I agree with E B, but I fill my washer and soak my towels for a few hours in bleach.
You could also try hanging them in the sun, the sun and ozone will kill any bacteria in them....

Good Luck

Answer 10

Does your water,have a bad smell or taste?