moldy-smelling towels

[Maisiedotes]

Thanks to me forgetting some towels in the washer for 2 days, they smell mildewy after several washes. It is nauseating (then again I am pregnant...) I know using fabric softener coats the towels and they will not be as absorbent, so obviously that is not an option. Any other ideas? I was going to try vinegar in the rinse but I don't want them to smell like vinegar. Thanks!

[semo_mom]

Try washing them in vinegar at the start of the cycle along with your regular soap. I do this and it really works. They won't smell of vinegar. I use 1 cup of vinegar with my commercial size washer.

Also, when I do use vinegar in the rinse cycle as a fabric softener, they have never smelled of vinegar.

[StartingOver]

I've personally used the vinegar method before, and have good results.

The Vinegar Method
Put your towels in the washing machine, using the hottest water available. Add one or two cups of white vinegar. Do not add detergent, fabric softener, or any other products at this time. Run the washer.
Leave the towels in the washer and wash the same load again just as you would normally with laundry soap. Again, use the hottest water available. Don't use fabric softener or any other products.
Dry the load in the dryer using a high heat setting. Towels should be thoroughly dry when you pull them out. If they're not dry, put them back in, or move them immediately outside and hang them in the sunlight.

The Ammonia Method
Put your towels in the washing machine.
Add a normal amount of detergent.
Use the hottest water available. Do not add fabric softener or any other products.
Watch for the rinse cycle and add one cup of sudsy or clear ammonia during the rinse cycle.
Let the washing machine finish.
Move the towels out of the washer immediately. Fully dry the load right away using normal dryer settings, or hanging on the line on a sunny day.

Repeat and Soak if necessary
Smell the towels when you have completed one of the above methods. If the towels are not completely free of musty smell after the first attempt, try soaking overnight.
Fill the washer with the smallest amount of hot water necessary to cover the towels.
Add one cup of ammonia. Agitate for a few minutes and allow to soak overnight.
Add non-bleach detergent in the morning, and let the wash cycle complete.

[fixer]

We deal with this. All I know is they never smell bad when I dry them on the clothes line.

[Jeanna]

I just add baking soda to my wash cycle along with my detergent. Works for me.

[Brighid]

Both the baking soda and the vinegar should work. Good luck!

[mrsfoamy]

I used to use the good old mediciney smelling Lysol on dh's fishy clothes. I've used it on the towels before too.

[lotsadebt]

The vinegar and baking soda worked for me when I did this to my sons lovey objects. I soaked bun-bun and pooh bear for a long time then just ran them through a regular cycle.

[zakity]

I hang the clothes out on the line when they get forgotten.

[frugalfranny]

Some good info already posted.....I don't have anything to add but just wishing you good luck.

The vinegar has worked for me.......

[lisaflex]

vinegar and baking soda will definitely do the job

[C@rol]

Great advice.

[ladykemma2]

try bleach

[ttistin]

i use vinegar in my rinse, never leaves a vinegar sent

[lisaflex]

i had a few moldy smellin towels layin around the basement today, just washed w/ purex, vinegar and bkng soda and no smell left!!!