Keeping your face towel clean is extremely important. If not laundered regularly, it can become a breeding ground for dead skin cells, bacteria, and mold. These can cause skin allergies, acne, and infections. Washing towels is different from washing other clothes, and a specific method is required to prevent odors. Here are some effective methods to remove towel odors.
1. If the towel has no damp odor:
Machine Wash
Place the towel in the washing machine and directly pour in one cup of white vinegar and one cup of baking soda. Set the machine to the hottest wash setting. Do not use fabric softener or detergent at this stage.
Pause the Wash Cycle
After all the ingredients are mixed inside the washing machine, turn it off and let the mixture soak for 1 hour. Then, turn the machine back on to complete the wash cycle and thoroughly clean the towel.
Re-wash with Vinegar and Detergent
Re-wash the towel by pouring in one cup of vinegar and using your regular detergent/washing powder.
Completely Dry the Towel
Set the dryer to the highest setting to ensure the towel is completely dry. Repeat this step if necessary.
2. If the towel has a musty odor or is very damp:
Pour 2/3 cup of detergent into a bucket or basin, then add some hot water. Completely dissolve the detergent.
Soak the towel in the basin for 48 hours.
After 48 hours, machine-wash the towel using the hottest setting with detergent and fabric softener.
Dry the towel on the highest dryer setting. Then, sun-dry it until it is completely dry. If the towel still has an odor after this process, it’s time to replace it with a new one.
3. Notes to help you avoid musty towels:
Regularly clean and deodorize your towels
Wash your face towel after 3-4 days of use. If the towel is hung in a well-ventilated and clean area, it can be washed once a week.
Do not wash face towels with clothes
Clothes tend to carry more dirt and bacteria, and if not washed properly, these can cross-contaminate your face towel. Additionally, face towel materials are prone to absorbing colors from clothes, so washing them together will likely cause the towel to fade.
Disinfect your face towels weekly to eliminate bacteria
You can disinfect them in the microwave, with detergent, or by boiling them in hot water for 5 minutes. However, be careful not to overdo it, as this can affect the quality and elasticity of the towel.
Air-dry towels in sunlight
Bathrooms tend to be damp and lack sunlight, so after each use, hang your face towel outside in the sun to ensure it dries thoroughly and remains hygienic.
Replace towels regularly
All towels have a limited lifespan. For face towels, it is recommended not to use them for more than 3 months.
Use your face towel for its intended purpose only
Face towels should only be used for washing your face. Do not use them to wipe your hands, body, or hair, as this can promote bacterial transfer and potential infections.
By An Nhien – Vietnamnet
