Washcloths

I got so sick of this with dishcloths, I gave up on them and went to paper towels to wipe the kitchen counters. I use a scrub brush to wash pots and pans.

With the washcloths, I hang them over the rod to dry every night, then put them in the hamper to wash. Therefore a new washcloth is used every day instead of re-using the same one. It's the only way it works for me. I don't have time to try and save them by soaking. We have a LOT of washcloths because of this. :)

Good luck!

Make sure to dry the washcloths completely between uses. we hang them over the towel bar so that they aren't balled-up and collecting mold. Same thing with dish towels!

I put about 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide in with my detergent when I wash towels, dishcloths, or washcloths. I also use it for my son's smelly athletic clothes. Cheap, and works wonders.

My dish cloths do that. I've had them for years so I think after awhile when they start stinkin a lot, its time to replace them. I don't think your doing anything wrong. I usually only use a dishcloth for 3 days then toss it in the wash.

Vinegar. Pour it right on them and let them soak for a bit. I add plain white vinegar to all my husband's stinky gym clothes and wash in warm.

I agree to make sure they are able to dry between uses or they'll just fester, for lack of a better word.

I have a sanitation setting on my washer that washes in extra hot. I don't have any problems with my wash or dishcloths, or my towels.

I never had this problem until we got a front loader washing machine. I called Whirlpool to ask for advice and they told me that detergent residue builds up on the inside of the machine. They recommended "Affresh" washing machine cleaner. I have only been able to find it at Home Depot. It costs about $8. It comes in a packet of 3 tablets. The first use I used the entire packet and then about every month or two I run one tablet through the washing machine per the instructions. I have been thrilled with the results. Anytime I start to get a faint funky smell, I use the Affresh and no more odor!

All I have to say is PHEW! I'm not the only one LOL. I can't stand this problem.

If the conditions are right mold grows. Usually because washcloths are so wet when used, I use them once and put them on the side of the clothes sorter to dry and be cleaned. Towels sometimes every week if I am being neglectful. Kitchen towels maybe two days.

I do a lot of laundry but there is nothing else you can do to keep that smell out of your towels and washcloths.

I don't use chlorox bleach. I use an organic brand without chlorine.. I have never had that problem.

I don't know if this will work with washcloths, but it works with sponges, so it should work for them. Every couple of days, I put my damp sponge in the microwave for a minute only on high. The heat basically steam sanitizes it, so it kills the odors.

SOOOOO funny, because right this minute, I'm trying to get THAT smell off my hands because I used a washcloth that stinks. LOL. Sorry, but perfect timing.
I've wondered the same thing.

I love this question because I have the same problem! I've even let my dish towels soak in bleach and they still come out stinky!! Thanks for posting this. I've tried vinegar for clothing; can't believe I never thot of it for the kitchen towels, etc.

Now if I could get my bath towels clean!!! They don't have the stinky smell but especially on handtowels - there's the spot in the middle that always seems to never get clean! Any advice??? Thanks!!

I'd do a vinegar soak if they've gotten so bad that even after washing you still have that aroma. Fill up the sink with some hot water and a cup of white vinegar and let it work its magic for about an hour, wash them like you normally would you should be good to go
Always rinse them well after use, wring them out and let them dry. The ones that get stinky fast have either food or some other bacteria on them and were left wet too long.