Method 1 Washing Towels With Vinegar and Baking SodaWash the towels. Place your smelly towels in the washing machine and start the wash cycle using the hottest water setting available. ... Soak the towels in the machine. ... Add vinegar and detergent. ... Put the towels into the dryer immediately. read more
Over time, bath towels can get bogged down with detergent and fabric softener residue. This residue not only attracts mildew, but it can essentially “waterproof” your towels. If water can’t properly saturate the fabric during the wash cycle, the towel won’t be or smell clean. read more
Avoid adding fabric softener to the rinse water, as it can help to trap the smell in the towels. For future reference: Adding too much detergent can promote odors. Soap's job is to catch dirt, but if all the detergent doesn't get rinsed out, the dirt and smells will remain, too. read more