You can use common household ingredients to effectively remove dirt, bacteria, and unpleasant odors from bath towels and face towels.

Common Causes of Slimy or Smelly Towels

Bath and face towels are in constant contact with human skin, which naturally produces sweat, sebum, dead skin cells, and other impurities. If towels are not cleaned regularly, they become an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to thrive, leading to unpleasant odors.

Additionally, storing towels in bathrooms or restrooms—places that are typically humid and poorly ventilated—creates a perfect condition for bacterial and fungal growth, further contributing to towel odor.

Prolonged periods of wet or rainy weather can also prevent towels from drying naturally. Even if you wash them frequently, the persistent dampness can cause a musty smell.

How to Clean Bath Towels and Face Towels

Simply using regular detergent is often not enough to remove deep-seated dirt and bacteria from towels. By incorporating some readily available household ingredients, you can enhance the cleaning process and ensure your towels are fresh, soft, and hygienic.

Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Place your towels in a basin and add a small amount of table salt. Salt helps kill bacteria, preserve the color of your towels, and maintain fabric durability. Then, add baking soda, a natural cleaning agent that penetrates deeply into the fibers to remove stubborn dirt and neutralize odors.

Step 2: Add Detergent
Next, pour in your regular laundry detergent. Detergent helps remove body oils, sweat, and other residues that cling to towel fibers, ensuring a thorough clean.

Step 3: Add White Vinegar
Include a small amount of white vinegar in the basin. Vinegar helps soften the fibers, dissolve mineral deposits from water, and eliminate lingering odors, leaving your towels soft and fresh.

Step 4: Use Warm Water
Pour warm water (around 50°C / 122°F) into the basin. Gently knead the towels so the cleaning solution is absorbed by the fibers. Avoid using boiling water (100°C / 212°F), as excessively high temperatures can damage the fabric, making it stiff and causing colors to fade.

Step 5: Soak and Agitate
Let the towels soak for about 15 minutes to allow the dirt to loosen. After soaking, gently rub the towels by hand to remove any remaining grime.

Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the towels multiple times with clean water until all residues of detergent and cleaning agents are gone.

Step 7: Dry Properly
Squeeze out excess water and hang the towels to dry in a well-ventilated area under sunlight. Sunlight is rich in ultraviolet rays, which help kill bacteria naturally. Avoid drying towels in the bathroom, as high humidity can encourage bacterial growth and cause a musty smell.

Additional Tips for Long-Lasting Fresh Towels

• Wash towels at least once a week to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold.

• Separate towels from other laundry to prevent cross-contamination.

• Occasionally, add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or tea tree oil, to the rinse water for a fresh scent and additional antibacterial benefits.

• Ensure towels are completely dry before storing them in a cupboard to prevent moisture retention.

By following these simple steps using ingredients already available at home, you can keep your bath towels and face towels clean, soft, and free of unpleasant odors. Regular care not only enhances hygiene but also prolongs the life of your towels, ensuring they remain comfortable and safe to use every day.