You can make your towels smell so much fresher (Stock Image) (Image: Vladislav Stepanov via Getty Images)
If your towels emerge from the washing machine with a less-than-pleasant smell, then listen up as you need to consider this liquid for your laundry.
Social media is flooded with people looking for tips on how to remove that “funky” scent from their towels. As a result, many cleaning experts have shared their advice on banishing the smell once and for all.
Now TikTok user @brunchwithbabs, also known as Babs, revealed the secret weapon against stubborn “stinky odours that cling” is by using vodka, yes you heard that right.
In her video, she explained: “I learned this one from my grandmother. A simple spray of vodka can eliminate odours on clothing, furniture, upholstery and even mattresses.
“All you need is vodka and a spray bottle – make sure your spray bottle has a mist setting – not just a straight spray.
“When spraying clothes, concentrate on areas that tend to gather more bacteria and thus smell – such as under the sleeves. Hold the spray about 18 inches away and use a sweeping motion.”
The TikTok user continued: “She said the vodka works by attaching itself to the smelly molecules that naturally occur and then ferment, which leads to odours.
“So goodbye smelly clothes and no more wasting time and money on cleaning or dry cleaning after every wear.”
Plumbworld expert Jennifer Shaw confirmed the effectiveness of this method, as she stated: “Vodka is a great disinfectant. It’s known for its ability to kill bacteria and neutralise odours, which is why it’s effective in eliminating musty smells from towels.”
How to remove bad odours from your towels?
The experts, however, advocate a surprisingly straightforward approach. Simply pour a modest measure of vodka – roughly a cup – directly into the washing machine alongside your usual detergent.
The alcohol dissipates throughout the washing and drying cycle, leaving absolutely no residue or scent behind.
Jennifer reassures that using vodka in your wash won’t harm your towels or your washing machine.
She explained: “The washing process gets rid of the alcohol so there’s no need to worry. Sometimes the best solutions are the ones you least expect.”
What other hacks to try for your towels?
Further handy laundry suggestions include using baking soda, as it “is another excellent addition to your laundry routine”.
It helps to soften water, which in turn enhances the effectiveness of your detergent. Plus, it can brighten whites and remove odours.
For particularly stubborn staining, hydrogen peroxide is well worth considering. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach and disinfectant which is fantastic for removing stains from white towels.
Jennifer claimed it’s also essential to make certain your laundry is completely dry “before storing it”.
She concluded: “Any remaining moisture can lead to mildew and musty smells. If possible, hang clothes outside to dry in the sun – the UV rays act as a natural disinfectant.”