Stop towels smelling musty with 1 household item that leaves them 'fresh' - not vinegar

Towels can smell musty and damp even after being washed due to mildew, improper drying and hard water.

By Millie Bull, Deputy Lifestyle Editor

Washing towels

Towels can start to smell musty, damp and mouldy even after being washed (Image: Getty)

Mrs Hinch fans have shared their go-to method for keeping towels smelling fresh and clean.

Towels can start to smell musty, damp and mouldy even after being washed. Not washing towels correctly and not drying them properly can cause towels to develop an unpleasant scent.

Bacteria, mildew and even limescale can also contribute to musty smells on towels.

One person who was struggling with musty-smelling towels was Jennifer Dowling. She posted on the Facebook group, 'Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips' looking for advice.

She asked: "TOWELS — how are we keeping them smelling fresh? Any ideas, please? Thanks in advance."

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The post was inundated with responses but the most suggested solution was to use Dettol Laundry Cleanser.

Jasmin Amron Culbert said: "I wash on 60C and use a Dettol Antibacterial Liquid specifically for washing clothes."

Jennie Green replied: "I always put Dettol in my towel wash, it makes them smell fresh and also my washing machine always smells fresh. Never use softener in a towel wash. In fact, I’ve stopped softener in most washes. Sixty degrees wash for towels also. I also put new bars of perfumed soap in my airing cupboard where I store my towels."

Lisa Flint commented: "I put a little splash of Dettol in with my towels."

Dettol Antibacterial Laundry Cleanser claims to "kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses" and gives "odour-free freshness".

Dettol Antibacterial Laundry Cleanser can be bought from Ocado for £3.75, Sainsbury's for £4.50 and Asda for £6.

Other suggestions from Mrs Hinch fans included using white vinegar, scent boosters and Zoflora.

Lisa Colven said: "I wash them with Zoflora instead of softener."

Jake Aley commented: "Wash on 60C — biological washing powder Ariel.

"Use three tablespoons of white vinegar inside the softener compartment. Never use fabric softener. It makes the towels less absorbent!" Lea Mills wrote: "Scent booster beads."

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