I am really excited that I just found a new way to freshen my dingy, smelly towels. I love having good smelling, fluffy towels when I get out of the shower and can’t stand when they have a mildew smell (even if they are clean towels). Using towels to clean up after two kids, a big puppy, and all the messes around the house make them start to smell over time. No one likes a musty smell! This is especially helpful if wet towels get piled up in the laundry, which makes them especially stinky. If you have this problem as I do, here is my simple and easy way to freshen your towels! (Check out our favorite laundry hacks, too.) This article contains affiliate links that help support Kids Activities Blog.

A Simple Way To Freshen Your Towels

This is the best way to wash towels that will make them feel – and smell – like new towels. You need four ingredients to get rid of this sour smell in your hand towels, bath towels, and all stinky towels – and I’m guessing you already have most of them sitting in your cabinets! You will be using this combination on your washing machine when doing your load of towels instead of a regular detergent.

• • 1/2 cup of Borax
  • 1 cup of Washing Soda
  • 1/4 cup of Vinegar
  • 10 drops of Lemon essential oil

Steps to make your old towels smell like fresh towels

Step 1

While the water is running in your washing machine, add all of these ingredients instead of your regular laundry detergent – they are better to remove that towel smell we dislike.

Step 2

Wash your towels in warm water, but use a hot cycle for white towels. Kitchen towels can be washed in a washing cycle with other towels, but it’s better to avoid washing them in the same load of laundry as other cleaning cloths.

Step 3

Dry towels as normal – add dryer sheets for better results. The musty odor is now gone and your towels will feel and smell like it’s the first time you’re using them!

Yield: 1

A Simple Way To Freshen Your Towels

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This is a simple yet effective way to freshen your towels and make them look, feel, and smell like new.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 30 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Difficulty easy

Estimated Cost $5

Materials

• 1/2 cup of Borax
• 1 cup of Washing Soda
• 1/4 cup of Vinegar
• 10 drops of Lemon essential oil

Tools

• Washing machine

Instructions

1. While the water is running in your washing machine, add all of these ingredients instead of your regular laundry detergent - they are better to remove that towel smell we dislike.
2. Wash your towels in warm water, but use a hot cycle for white towels. Kitchen towels can be washed in a washing cycle with other towels, but it's better to avoid washing them in the same load of laundry as other cleaning cloths.
3. Dry towels as normal - add dryer sheets for better results. The musty odor is now gone and your towels will feel and smell like it's the first time you're using them!

 

Essential Oils For Cleaning

Regular laundry soap is filled with harsh chemicals that can be dangerous for your home and family. When it comes to towels, you want to remove all the bacteria and dirt, but some products, like liquid fabric softener, end up doing more bad than good. When it comes to towels, damp towels often hold too much moisture which creates the perfect environment for bacteria. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way! The best solution I have found to keep them in good conditions is by using essential oils. We love essential oils because they provide a natural way to wash our towels without damaging them. Besides, you can use them directly on the washer machine (we tried them on a front load washer and a top loader without a problem.) Here are some of our favorite essential oils for cleaning: Lemon essential oils help remove odors all around the house – the laundry, the dishwasher, carpets, even stinky shoes. It is a must-have! Tea tree oil is best for everyday cleaning throughout the entire house, but it works best for removing mildew growth in bathrooms, attics, and kitchens. Lavender oil is naturally antibacterial and anti-odor. Use it to clean your mattress and linens to add a relaxing scent. Eucalyptus oil is a great all-purpose cleaner, especially used to fight mold and help improve seasonal allergies.

WANT MORE ESSENTIAL OIL TIPS AND TRICKS? CHECK OUT THESE IDEAS FROM KIDS ACTIVITIES BLOG:

• Smelly fit? Fix it with these essential oils for smelly feet tips.
• Essential oil is not just for adults! Here are our favorite essential oil games for kids.
• In fact, you can also use essential oils to calm pets or help them relax.
• Got an anniversary coming up? Try these essential oils for romance!
• Make a natural chest rub for toddlers with essential oils to improve their sleep.
• Learn how using essential oils in the bath can make you feel like you’re having a spa day at home.

Did you try this tip to freshen towels? Do you have any other tips to share with us?