Mildew Smell on Towels

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Written by Rich Fitzmorris

Question: I have a problem with towels – they smell of mildew no matter how many times I wash them. Bleaching the white towels has worked, but since I can't bleach the colored towels how do I disinfect them?
 

Answer: For the colored bath towels, there are a couple of things you can do.  First; buy a detergent that has a sanitizer claim on the label.  Follow the direction as to the amount of product required and then soak the towels overnight in water temperatures of 110-120 degrees.  The following day drain the wash and rewash normally, which should kill the mildew.

Second method; Use your normal detergent in water temperatures of 110-120 degrees and let the machine wash for approximately 5 minutes.  After that time turn back your timer to the start position and add 3-4 cups of 1% hydrogen peroxide to the machine.  Washing the load normally from there should kill any mildew in the towels.