There are so many laundry detergents on the market that claim to remove stains and neutralize odors. If you are like me, I’ve tried most of the popular brands of detergent, from powders to liquids to pods, but most have fragrances or masking agents that aren’t good for your clothing or skin and leave a residue on your towels. This buildup coats towels with a film of chemicals, making them less absorbent and trapping the odors. My towels didn’t smell horrible, they didn’t smell the same as when I purchased them. I was pre-washing, soaking, and washing twice to just clean and freshen my towels, but to no avail; nothing seemed to work well. I also washed my washing machine monthly in case it was a problem.
Clorox Bleach is an alternative, but I didn’t like using it because it could harm one’s respiratory system if used often, and I didn’t like how my towels smelled after washing with Clorox. In addition, with young children in the house, I didn’t want them exposed to harsh chemicals. Over the years, I have purchased more expensive towels, hoping a new and improved brand would answer my stinky towel situation. Unfortunately, there was no change.
During one of my bulk shopping sprees, I came across a huge bag of baking soda at BJ’s Wholesale Club. Growing up, my family only used baking soda for baking and cooking – remember the small square box in the store’s baking section? That was what we purchased when we were baking. I was unaware that baking soda could be used as a laundry product, particularly to neutralize odors. This was the one product that I had never tried, and it couldn’t hurt.
After trying baking soda, the towels began to smell better, but not perfect! Next, I researched laundry detergent that didn’t have synthetic preservatives, and Dr. Bronner Pure Castile Soap came up as an option. In addition, the articles suggested using white vinegar to remove odors. Since I was currently using Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap as the main cleaner in my house and in my garden as a spray to remove bugs from my plants, it would only make sense to use it in my laundry. Dr. Bronner’s products don’t have any synthetic preservatives, detergents, or foaming agents. Since white vinegar and baking soda are used for cooking, I felt confident that these three products would be great alternatives to using products that have added chemicals.
After using baking soda, Dr. Bronner’s soap (I use lavender or citrus) and white vinegar for several weeks, I finally noticed that my towels smelled and felt clean and fluffy.
These are the three products I use when washing towels.
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup of Dr. Bronner’s Soap in the washing dispenser for a regular load (4 large towels).
- Fill the softener tray with white vinegar.
- 1 cup of baking soda to the washing machine drum.
- The wash cycle should be hot water.
Tips:
- The first time you wash your towels with these products, you may have to repeat the process several times to remove the synthetic film that is trapping the odor.
- Dry towels immediately and thoroughly when the wash cycle ends.
- Add dryer balls or sachets filled with lavender seeds (make sure the sachet is tightly sealed) to the dryer for added freshness to enhance the smell of your towels.
- Look for products that contain these labels and certifications: Fair for Life Certifications, USDA Certified Organic, EWG Certified Seal, The Cruelty-Free Seal (the Leaping Bunny logo), NON-GMO Project Certification and EPA’s Safer Choice Certification.
I hope this article helps you the next time you wash your towels. As for me, I will only use natural products on my towels and other laundry items. Don’t forget to check out my article, How to Refresh Your Laundry Room on a Budget.