Hints from Heloise

Thu., Nov. 23, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

Dear Heloise: I have had this problem for more than a year now and can’t find the solution. After using some of our bath towels, they have a bad smell on them, even if it’s the first time since I’ve washed them. I have tried using fragrant detergent and fabric softener, but that isn’t helping. Some of the towels aren’t that old. I really need your help. – Michele in Pennsylvania

To try to remove the sour smell, wash in hot water with the normal amount of laundry detergent. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda OR washing soda (it’s different from baking soda and is found in the laundry aisle) to the washer at the beginning, or you can wait and add it to the rinse cycle. If you live in an area with hard water, increase the amount of soda to 3/4 cup.After washing, put the towels in the dryer as soon as possible; don’t let them sit. Do a sniff test and see if they smell fresh again. If not, repeat the above steps. – Heloise

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