DIY Cleaning Methods for Towels

How to Clean Towels with White Vinegar and Hot Water

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need plain white vinegar (not apple cider or cleaning vinegar), your towels, and access to a washing machine that can handle hot water cycles. Skip the fancy stuff—just the basics here.

 

• Load towels into the washer: Don’t overstuff. Towels need room to move so the vinegar and water can do their thing. If you cram too many in, you’ll just end up with a soggy, underwhelming result.

 

• Set your washer to the hottest water setting: Hot water helps loosen up residue and build-up that can make towels feel stiff or musty. If your towels are colored, check the care label first—some dyes don’t love the heat.

 

• Add white vinegar: Pour about one cup of plain white vinegar directly into the drum with the towels. No need for detergent in this step. The vinegar helps break down detergent and fabric softener residue, which can make towels less absorbent over time.

 

• Run a full wash cycle: Let the machine do its thing. The combination of hot water and vinegar will help freshen up the towels and loosen up any lingering grime or odors.

 

• Optional second rinse: If your towels have a strong vinegar smell after the first wash, you can run them through another rinse cycle with just hot water. This helps flush out any leftover vinegar and residue.

 

• Dry thoroughly: Toss the towels in the dryer on a high heat setting, or hang them outside if the weather’s cooperating. Make sure they’re completely dry before folding—damp towels are a fast track to musty smells.

 

• Skip the extras: Don’t add fabric softener or dryer sheets. These can leave a coating on towels that makes them less absorbent and can contribute to that funky towel smell you’re trying to get rid of in the first place.

What’s Happening Here?

• White vinegar is an acetic acid solution that helps dissolve mineral deposits, soap scum, and detergent build-up. It’s not a miracle worker, but it’s a solid option for routine towel maintenance.

 

• Hot water helps open up the fibers in your towels, making it easier for the vinegar to do its job. It also helps wash away grime that cold water might leave behind.

How to Clean Towels with Lemon Juice and Warm Water

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need fresh lemons (or bottled lemon juice), a large bowl or bucket, and access to warm water. If you’re using fresh lemons, squeeze enough to get about half a cup of juice for a standard load of towels.

 

• Mix your solution: Combine the lemon juice with about a gallon of warm water in your bowl or bucket. The warm water helps the juice mix evenly and can assist in loosening up residue in the towel fibers.

 

• Soak the towels: Submerge your towels fully in the lemon-water solution. Make sure every part of the towel is saturated. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn odors or dinginess, you can let them sit for up to an hour.

 

• Agitate gently: Every so often, give the towels a gentle swirl or squeeze in the solution. This helps the lemon juice reach all the fibers and can help with lifting out buildup from detergents or body oils.

 

• Rinse thoroughly: After soaking, rinse the towels under clean, warm water until you don’t smell lemon anymore. This step is important—leftover lemon juice can leave a sticky residue or a lingering scent that’s not always pleasant once the towels dry.

 

• Launder as usual: Wash the towels in your washing machine with your regular detergent. Use the warmest water setting that’s safe for your towels (check the care label if you’re not sure). This helps remove any remaining lemon juice and gives the towels a final clean.

 

• Dry completely: Dry the towels thoroughly, either in a dryer or on a clothesline. Make sure they’re fully dry before folding or storing to prevent musty smells from creeping back in.

 

• Why lemon juice? Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help break down some types of buildup and leave towels smelling fresher. It’s a common household ingredient that’s easy to find and simple to use for a quick refresh.