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DIY & Home Improvement

Marthe48

(21,521 posts) Tue Apr 8, 2025, 10:15 PM Apr 2025

Kind of interesting, maybe.

I noticed recently that after a day or two of use, the hand towels in my bathroom start smelling like corn chips. I don't like the smell. I just Googled and things will start to smell like corn chips (or a yeasty smell) caused by a couple kinds of bacteria.

I wash my towels and bedding in warm water, with soap and vinegar. During Covid, I changed the towels daily or any time I went out. Now, I use the same one for a couple of days. I always air dry used towels before I toss them in the basket. Guess I'll start changing them daily to avoid the smell.

All of my hand towels are several years old, and I kind of wonder if that is part of the reason they get smelly.

7 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Kind of interesting, maybe. (Original Post) Marthe48 Apr 2025 OP

I use hot water on dark towels, and on older or light colors I use chlorine bleach. also sun dry. Kali Apr 2025 #1

I think you've got the answer. usonian Apr 2025 #2

On a sunny day hang them up out in the sun,... magicarpet Apr 2025 #3

I love clothes line smell on laundry. My mom had one when we were kids. applegrove Apr 2025 #5

Its the same thing that happens with dog's paws Bayard Apr 2025 #4

I recently noticed an old but loved pillow smelled like corn chips! Thank you, will replace them. ❤️ MLAA Apr 2025 #6

You should absolutely be washing sheets and towels in hot water. PoindexterOglethorpe Apr 2025 #7

Kali

(56,360 posts)

1. I use hot water on dark towels, and on older or light colors I use chlorine bleach. also sun dry.

Reply to Marthe48 (Original post)

Tue Apr 8, 2025, 10:26 PM

Apr 2025

if your machine allows it, fill and mix bleach before adding fabric. or if you have to use a dispenser dilute the bleach in water

usonian

(19,901 posts)

2. I think you've got the answer.

Reply to Marthe48 (Original post)

Tue Apr 8, 2025, 10:28 PM

Apr 2025

Like old t-shirts. Not a chemist or biologist. Get new ones before the price goes up.

magicarpet

(18,455 posts)

3. On a sunny day hang them up out in the sun,...

Reply to Marthe48 (Original post)

Tue Apr 8, 2025, 10:30 PM

Apr 2025

.... flip them over and get the other side for sun exposure too. Maybe pick a nice spot with high sun exposure and put up a temp clothes line. Sun dried laundry is so refreshing to smell. Sheets and pillow cases dried in the sun are heaven sent.

applegrove

(127,613 posts)

5. I love clothes line smell on laundry. My mom had one when we were kids.

Reply to magicarpet (Reply #3)

Tue Apr 8, 2025, 10:45 PM

Apr 2025

Bayard

(26,571 posts)

4. Its the same thing that happens with dog's paws

Reply to Marthe48 (Original post)

Tue Apr 8, 2025, 10:44 PM

Apr 2025

They get bacterial infections that make them smell like Fritos. Shampoo with anti-fungal/bacterial shampoo.

I'd use bleach in the towel laundry, and sun dry.

MLAA

(19,412 posts)

6. I recently noticed an old but loved pillow smelled like corn chips! Thank you, will replace them. ❤️

Reply to Marthe48 (Original post)

Tue Apr 8, 2025, 10:51 PM

Apr 2025

PoindexterOglethorpe

(28,039 posts)

7. You should absolutely be washing sheets and towels in hot water.

Reply to Marthe48 (Original post)

Tue Apr 8, 2025, 11:02 PM

Apr 2025

Hot, not warm. And vinegar will do nothing about the smell. Try bleach.

And if you can hang them outside in the sun, that's nice.

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