How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Towels Borax? Freshness Fix!

To remove mildew smell from towels using borax, wash them in hot water, adding half a cup of borax along with your regular detergent. Allow the towels to soak for 30 minutes before completing the wash cycle. Dry thoroughly afterward.

Understanding the Causes of Mildew Smell in Towels

Understanding Mildew and Its Growth Conditions

Mildew is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, damp environments. It is a common issue in households and can cause a distinct musty odor.

When towels are left wet for a prolonged period, they create the perfect breeding ground for mildew spores to grow and produce that unpleasant smell.

Excessive Moisture in Towels

Towels often become excessively moist after use. If they are not dried promptly, the moisture remains locked in the fibers, making them susceptible to mildew growth.

This is especially true in humid environments where evaporation is slower.

Lack of Air Circulation Around Towels

Proper air circulation is essential for drying towels. When towels are piled together or hung in an area with poor airflow, they can’t dry effectively.

This stagnant environment allows mildew to flourish, leading to that musty towel smell.

Infrequent Washing of Towels

Regular laundering of towels helps prevent mildew growth. Towels that are not washed frequently can harbor skin cells, oils, and other organic matter that feed mildew, causing the smell to develop and persist.

Storing Damp Towels Improperly

When towels are stored while still damp, it creates an environment conducive to mildew growth.

It’s important to ensure towels are completely dry before folding and putting them away to avoid the mildew smell.

Role of Borax in Removing Mildew Smell

What is Borax and Its Properties?

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a natural mineral that is mined from the earth. It is a white powder that dissolves in water and has a variety of household uses, including laundry cleaning.

Borax has antifungal properties, which make it effective against mildew and mold.

How Borax Combats Mold and Mildew?

Borax works by altering the pH of water and creating an environment that is inhospitable to mildew.

It helps to break down and remove the spores, preventing their growth and eliminating the associated smell in fabrics like towels.

Benefits of Using Borax Compared to Other Cleaning Agents

Unlike bleach, which can damage fabric fibers and colors, Borax is gentler on towels and safe for both white and colored fabrics.

It is also less toxic and more environmentally friendly than many other chemical cleaning agents, making it a preferable choice for households.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Mildew Smell with Borax

Initial Preparation: Gathering Towels and Borax

Start by collecting all the towels with a mildew smell and the box of Borax. Make sure you have enough towels for a full load in your washing machine. This ensures maximum effectiveness of the Borax treatment.

Pre-Soaking Steps: Dissolving Borax in Warm Water

Fill a bucket or your washing machine with warm water. Add half a cup of Borax and stir until it is completely dissolved. This pre-soaking process helps to loosen the mildew and start the deodorizing effect of Borax.

Machine Washing

Place your towels in the washing machine and pour the dissolved Borax solution over them. Add your regular detergent as you would with a normal laundry load.

Allow the towels to soak for at least 30 minutes before running the wash cycle on the hottest setting safe for the fabric.

The combination of hot water and Borax will work together to eliminate the mildew smell.

Drying: Ensuring Thorough Drying for Odor Prevention

Once the washing cycle is complete, dry the towels thoroughly. If you have a dryer, use a high heat setting to make sure all moisture is removed.

If air-drying, hang the towels in a well-ventilated area with plenty of sunlight if possible. This step is crucial to prevent the mildew smell from returning.

Tips for Maintaining Freshness Post-Treatment

After treating your towels with Borax, keep them smelling fresh by washing them regularly and drying them immediately after use.

Consider adding a quarter cup of Borax to your laundry routine as a preventive measure. Store towels in a dry, airy space to ensure they remain mildew-free.

FAQs About Getting Mildew Smell Out of Towels with Borax

What amount of borax should I use to remove a mildew smell from towels?

Use half a cup of borax along with your regular detergent when washing towels to remove a mildew smell.

What water temperature is best for eliminating mildew odor from towels with borax?

Hot water is most effective for removing mildew odor from towels when using borax.

How long should towels soak in the borax solution to get rid of the mildew smell?

Allow the towels to soak for 30 minutes in the borax solution before completing the wash cycle.

Is it necessary to dry the towels immediately after washing them with borax?

Yes, dry the towels thoroughly immediately after washing to prevent the return of mildew smell.

Can borax be used with any regular detergent to remove towel mildew odor?

Yes, borax can be used with your regular detergent to help eliminate mildew odor from towels.

Final Thoughts

To eliminate mildew odors from towels, use borax in conjunction with your usual laundry detergent. Wash the towels in hot water, incorporating half a cup of borax.

Soak them for 30 minutes before finishing the wash cycle, and ensure they are completely dry after washing to prevent further mildew growth.