Update on the musty towels: It's been awhile, but I seem to remember that the original article I read said that you should wash them first in really hot water with no detergent to get out remnants of liquid detergent...evidently the liquid clings to the fibers. Bill-our resident engineer-would you like to comment on that? (For those who don't read the comments...Bill posted a good alternative yesterday: http://www.charliesoap.com/ 12 cents a load, ordered in bulk. If any triad folks want to order, let me know, we can coop. So, anywho, I washed in hot water and then started started using purex powder and I've not had a problem since. I did buy some really cheap stuff in a 5 gallon bucket (Sun, maybe? Can't remember) and it did
not work...the towels were musty again. I have used the powder that Sears sells in a similar bucket with good results. Based on the comments I recieved this is a common problem, so hope this helps!
I just got called into work unexpectedly, so this is short...
I actually sent a post that was longer and it totally messed up, only sent half of it...sorry, must run, more tomorrow...
I don't know for sure, but I'd bet that liquid detergents are long chain polymer soaps. long chain polymers are sticky and wrap themselves around things like dirt and probably cotton fibers. You may never get them out completely but i would guess that more would get rinsed out with each successive wash. -Bill
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ReplyDeleteI buy liquid detergent at the DollarStore. It is Oxydol. I have often wondered if this is the same as what I would buy at Krogers. If so, why don't people buy it for $1 instead of $3-5 at the grocery? I also buy their name brand (can't recall which at the moment) fabric softener for 60-80 sheets for $1. It lasts me for a long time and I reuse the ones from the dryer for dusting t.v. screens and for art projects.
ReplyDeleteI googled musty towels and there were a bunch of suggestions. Mainly, don't let towels stay damp so mold won't grow, switch from liquid to dry detergent, wast in very HOT water, and run a cup of vinager through the washer to clean out the gunk.
ReplyDeleteIf you buy some charlie's soap, tell them I sent you and they'll give me a coupon! -Bill
This was an email from a friend that I thought might be helpful: One more suggestion on the laundry. I have a front loading machine. These are great and very efficient but often have water left standing in them that mildews before you use it the next week. This then allows the rest of the laundry to acquire the same smell. I have 2 suggestions that remedy this problem. 1) always leave the door open when not in use. 2) always do the white/bleached load last. This hot water and bleach kills the mildew and every load smells fresh
ReplyDeleteSome of my staff team got shares of some Charlie's Soap last year and I was impressed - particularly with the way it brightens and freshens towels!!
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