How to Clean Mold & Mildew from Towels

We’ve all been there. You use a towel, and it smells musty even though you just washed it. That smell often means mold on towels or mildew has started to develop. l. Mildew and bacteria thrive in areas of soft materials, making towels a perfect breeding ground. Luckily, there is a fix to this problem.

However, before you can solve the problem, you need to understand why it happens and how you can prevent it. Let’s explore can mold grow on towels, how you can remove the smell of it and how to prevent them from growing mold.

How Do Towels Get Mildew and Bacteria?

Two things. That’s really it; two things cause the vast majority of towel mildew problems.

Improper Drying: Have you ever left a load of towels in the washing machine overnight? Everybody has done it! On the other hand, leaving your wet towels in a small area, such as a laundry hamper or the washing machine, fosters the growth of bacteria and mildew.
Excessive Warm and Humid Storage: It’s important to keep your towels properly after they’ve dried. Although it is ideal to store your towels in a dry, cool place, even completely dry towels can develop mildew in humid locations.

how do towels get mildew and bacteria

How to Remove Mildew Smell and Bacteria From Towels

Many business owners may wonder how to get mildew and musty smells out of towels. The thickness of towels makes them ideal for absorbing moisture to collect, to collect which is excellent since they exist to absorb water. However, much moisture can be a deterrent.

Here are few things you can do to make your towels look new again.

1. Double Detergent Deep Clean

Depending on how much mildew and bacteria are present on your towels, two simple towel-only loads with your regular detergent may solve your problem.

You must run two cycles, one after the other, using a moderate amount of detergent.
Remember to avoid fabric softener, as it can leave residue and buildup on your towels which will only welcome more bacteria to grow. Towels often soak up fabric softener, making it harder to wash off the coated chemicals in the washing machine. That layer of fabric softener not only keeps the towels from being adequately washed but also keeps them from becoming completely dry, allowing bacteria to multiply.
Ensure you use the right amount of detergent when washing the towel loads. Too much detergent may cause adverse effects. Because of the absorbency of towels, your washing machine may not be able to remove all of the detergent which will then enlarge and keep your towels from being as absorbent as they should be.

2. Vinegar Deep Clean

White vinegar helps your washing machine get those stubborn layers of fabric softener and detergent off your towels, and the acidity of vinegar kills the harmful bacteria before they can grow anymore.

Start by loading your washer with several towels and add one cup of vinegar.
Run the washing machine on the hottest setting possible.
After washing the load with vinegar, rewash it on a regular cycle with modest amount of detergent.
Then, instantly move the washed towels to the dryer, dry them on the hottest cycle, and ensure they are totally dry before removing them.

That last part trips people up. You do all this work and then leave the towels in the machine for two hours, and the mildew is already starting to come back. Move fast.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Deep Clean

While vinegar is a miracle worker, it becomes superstar when coupled with baking soda.
You’ll need to run two towel-only loads to perform this deep clean.

In this method you first load the towels with a quarter cup of baking soda.
Then run the washing machine on the hottest cycle possible. Heat kills harmful bacteria, so the hot water washed with the baking soda is like a deep clean.
After the baking soda wash, rerun the washing machine, using the hottest cycle along with a full cup of white vinegar.
Once they are done in the washer, move towels to the dryer and be sure they get completely dried before putting them away.

This method is perfect for removing bacteria from your towel because the vinegar acid will break down deposits and grime on your towels which your machine will wash away. Baking soda is known for neutralizing odors, thanks to the fact that baking soda is an alkaline substance. It absorbs foul smells and breaks down and dissolves dirt and grease which is why it’s such a favorite to keep foul odors out of your fridge.

One important note: do not mix the vinegar and baking soda in the same load. They react and create foam that can damage your towels and potentially your machine.

4. Washer and Dryer Deep Clean

If you’ve tried the detergent, vinegar, and baking soda and still find your towels smelling musty, your washer or dryer may be the problem. Giving your washing machine and dryer a deep clean will kill any lingering bacteria which will inevitably prevent them from transferring onto your clean laundry.

To give your washer a deep clean,

Run it empty on the longest cycle with two cups of white vinegar or half a cup of bleach.
Rub it down with a clean rag soaked in vinegar and water at the end of the cycle.

Deep clean your dryer with wiping the inside with a clean cloth soaked in vinegar and water. You should also wash the lint trap and ensure it is completely dry before reinserting.

How to Get Rid of Mold Out of Towels

Wet towels are a breeding ground for fungi, especially in high-use environments. You may start to notice mold spots or even black spots on towel surfaces. Those who own gym, salon, or golf business may often notice the appearance of mildew or mold spots due to an increase in damp, dark areas. If you notice black mold on your towels, your first instinct might be to throw them away, but before you do, explore what steps to take to remove mold from towels.

What Is Black Mold?

Many types of mold are black and there is no single mold called “black mold.” People may refer to Stachybotrys atra or Stachybotrys chartarum when they use the term.

This greenish-back mold can grow on materials with high cellulose content and flourish when there is moisture from flooding, water infiltration, condensation, water leaks or water damage.

5 Steps to Remove Mold From Towels

Take the following steps when you can see evidence of mold spots on your towel’s surface:

Remove loose mold spores: Shake out the towels and brush the mold off the fabric. Do avoid shaking the towels indoors where mold spores grow and thrive.
Put moldy towels in the wash: Wash the towels at manufacturer-recommended temperature and add your preferred detergent and bleach. Use the heavy, cotton or standard setting which ensures a long, thorough wash.
Repeat wash when necessary: Wash the towels again if you see more mold spots. Let the fabric soak in the bleach or detergent for several minutes before repeating the thorough wash cycle.
Dry towels outside: Dry your towels outside in the sun where the fresh air and light can eliminate odors and bleach stains.
Put towels in the dryer: Ensure towels are dry before placing them on another dryer cycle for several minutes.

What Is the Difference Between Mildew and Black Mold?

Mold and mildew are fungi developed through increased moisture, often in small or damp spaces. They require oxygen, food and water to survive. While they often produce in various temperatures, many strains thrive in warm, moist places. However, many people ask: Is mildew on towels dangerous? Both mold and mildew on towels may cause health concerns, though black mold is usually the more dangerous of the 2.

Some common characteristics of mildew include the following:

Flat shape
White, gray, or brown color
Powdery consistency
Small dots

Mold presents with the following colors and consistencies:

Fuzzy shape
Deep green, black, or red color
Dirt-like consistency

Both fungi require specific conditions to survive. They form through mold spores, which grow using food, like soil or dirt, oxygen and water. You’ll often see mildew and mold in damp or perpetually wet spaces; as they offer the best environment for high mold production. Mold spores will find a good surface to grow and thrive. Mildew produces white spots which spread out, while mold eats into the base of the material and grows upward.

Many homeowners find themselves worried about health concerns regarding mildew and black mold. Both fungal growths may cause reactions like:

Itchy eyes: The eyes may become itchy, watery and swollen.
Shortness of breath: You might have trouble breathing and experience dizziness.
Runny nose: Mold and mildew may cause a runny nose and sneezing.
Asthma flare-ups: Those with asthma may have trouble breathing or experience wheezing or severe flare-ups.
Allergic reactions: Those with severe allergies to mold and mildew may experience hives or swollen skin.

How to Prevent Towels From Getting Mildew, Mold and Bacteria

Knowing how to clean towels is one thing, but prevention is key, especially when trying to avoid moldy towels.

1. After Use

It would help to always hang up towels after using them. When you hang them after a shower, ensure there are no folds in the towels so they dry completely. If you plan to hang up a bath towel for reuse, consider drying it off on a rack or hanger without any present folds. Leave it in a well-ventilated area to reduce the chance of bacteria and fungi, especially if you hang your towel to dry in your bathroom after showering. Ensure the exhaust fan is on during and after your shower to eliminate the excess humidity.

2. Before Washing

Try regularly washing your machine and dryer with a deep-cleaning vinegar solution. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that ensures your washing machine remains sanitary and does not spread bacteria or mildew to your towels, fabrics, linens or clothes. You can’t avoid water when using a washing machine, but you can reduce the amount of remaining moisture between washes, which often becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

And remember, your towels should be washed in load of their own without any other clothes. You do not want any potential bacteria from the towels to transfer onto your other clothes, so it’s best to give towels a load of their own and wash them in warm or hot water. Limiting the loads to three or four large bath towels is also best since they will absorb more water and take longer to dry.

If you’re a fan of fabric softeners a good alternative is white vinegar. Fabric softener can leave a slight residue on your moldy towels, which will only build up the more often you wash your towels with it. Vinegar does everything a fabric softener does, killing bacteria and preventing your clothes from getting staticky.

3. After Washing

Ensure your towels are dry before you fold them up and store them away for later use. You may think some dampness is harmless, but unexpectedly the slightest moisture encourage bacteral growth and can lead to mildew, mold on towels and an offensive odor.

Dry towels on the highest heat and if theyre still not dry, hang them out in direct sunlight until every drop of moisture is gone.

Folding damp towel creates the perfect environment for bacteria and final growth due to the moist and dark areas of the folds. You should always ensure a towel is completely dry and clean before folding.

FAQ

What kills bacteria on towels?

Hot water, proper detergent and natural cleaners such as white vinegar can all kill bacteria in towels. Washing towels on a hot cycle and thoroughly drying them helps to eliminate bacteria and prevent mildew growth.

Can vinegar ruin towels?

Vinekar is usually safe for towels when used occasionally. It helps remove odors, bacteria and mildew. Using it too much or in large amounts might weaken towel fibers over time.

The best disinfectant for towels is bleach, especially for white towels, because it kills a wide range of bacteria, viruses and mold. For colored towels, oxygen bleach or white vinegar mixed with hot water are effective disinfectants that are gentler on fabric. Most germs and bacteria can be killed by washing towels in hot water (around 140°F or higher) and completely drying them afterward.

High-Quality Towels From Towel Super Center

Tower Super Center is the place for all your towel needs. We are a leading online towel supplier. We have towels for hotels, yoga or sports towels for gyms and hand towels for barbershops or car detailing businesses.

Our commercial towels are heavy-duty and durable. We can meet your business needs for years. The quality of household towels can get worse with washes. Ours stay soft, absorbent and fluffy even after so many washes.

Our terrycloth towels, made from 100% cotton, are available in various sizes and colors, making them ideal for any business, from spas and fitness centers to hotels, restaurants, and more. We understand that towels are necessary for many companies and are often used in bulk. That’s why we offer wholesale supplies; you can save money and still get the high-quality towels you need.

Please browse our online catalog now and start equipping your business with the best towels from Towel Super Center.

How to Clean Mildew, Mold and Bacteria From Towels

How Do Towels Get Mildew and Bacteria?