How to Get a Washcloth Clean
Washcloths absorb body oils and soap residue, and these may leave behind funky odors if they are not completely removed during the wash cycle. If the washing machine is overloaded or the cloths aren't placed in the dryer immediately afterward, they may end up smelling less than fresh.
Things You Will Need
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Bucket
- Water
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
Tip
Vinegar and baking soda remove odors. Vinegar removes mildew stains and odors, and also helps keep washcloths soft. If washcloths seem stained after one wash cycle, wash them again, adding 1/2 cup bleach to the wash cycle for white washcloths or a similar amount of a nonchlorine bleach for dyed cloths.
Warning
Leaving wet washcloths in the washing machine may cause mildew or may make the washcloths smell musty. Dry them in a dryer or on a clothesline as soon as possible instead of leaving them in the washing machine.
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Mix liquid laundry detergent into a bucket of 2 gallons hot tap water to pretreat stained washcloths. Use the same amount of detergent typical for a load of laundry as the extra soapiness helps release stains. Soak stained washcloths in the liquid, swishing around the water a bit as you add the washcloths. Allow them to soak overnight or for several hours. Skip this step if the washcloths are not stained but do not smell fresh.
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Place the washcloths in the washing machine along with similar laundry items such as two or three bath towels. Do not add more than three bath towels as the machine needs to agitate.
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Select a hot-water wash cycle. Add laundry detergent to the machine as it fills with water, along with 1/2 cup baking soda.
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Add 1 cup vinegar to the final rinse cycle.
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Remove the laundry from the washing machine after the final spin cycle completes. Inspect and smell the washcloths. If they do not look and smell clean, wash them again, adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar to the washing machine as it fills with water. Remove the washcloths after a complete wash, rinse and spin.
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Place the washcloths in the dryer immediately. Run them through the dryer on the setting you prefer for towels and washcloths, then remove them once they are completely dry.
The Drip Cap
- Washcloths absorb body oils and soap residue, and these may leave behind funky odors if they are not completely removed during the wash cycle.
- Allow them to soak overnight or for several hours.
- Add 1 cup vinegar to the final rinse cycle.
- If they do not look and smell clean, wash them again, adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar to the washing machine as it fills with water.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Kathy Adams is an award-winning writer. She is an avid DIYer that is equally at home repurposing random objects into new, useful creations as she is at supporting community gardening efforts and writing about healthy alternatives to household chemicals. She's written numerous DIY articles for paint and decor companies, as well as for Black + Decker, Hunker, Landlordology, SFGate and others.
Photo Credits
- Amber Goeden/Demand Media
- Amber Goeden/Demand Media
- Amber Goeden/Demand Media
- Amber Goeden/Demand Media
- Amber Goeden/Demand Media
- Amber Goeden/Demand Media
- Amber Goeden/Demand Media
- Amber Goeden/Demand Media
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