Towels smell like pee due to a combination of bacteria, mold, and soap/body oil buildup in the fabric, trapping odors that hot water and detergent can't fully remove, especially if left damp or washed in cold water; the solution involves deep-cleaning with vinegar/baking soda, sanitizing the machine, and ensuring towels dry thoroughly after use and washing to kill microbes and prevent residue.
BAKING SODA
Similar to white vinegar, baking soda can also help neutralize odors. But avoid mixing the two, and always rinse thoroughly before proceeding. Create a paste using equal parts baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let the item soak in water for about 30 minutes or longer for stubborn odors.
Urine smell lingers on clothes due to the presence of uric acid crystals, which can become embedded in the fabric fibers. These stubborn crystals are resistant to normal washing methods and gradually release odor molecules over time, resulting in the lingering smell.
Towels that smell after washer are not getting clean, are left in the washer too long, or might need a second rinse. If smell is only after dryer, likely too many towels drying at same time, vent issue or lint trap. Adding scents to mix only hides problem. RINSE, RINSE, RINSE.
The Reason Why Towels Can Smell Bad
Additionally, body soils left on your towels either from the use or from poor-performing detergents will break down over time to release a sour, musty smell. In the end, you're left with towels full of a stink that's difficult to get rid of.
How to get rid of the smell from towels. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to remove musty odors from towels is by adding vinegar to your wash. Simply add 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar to your normal cycle to combat any smells.
Towels are prone to bacterial growth for several reasons.
First, they're used in bathrooms, which are naturally rife with moisture, and bacteria grow in wet places. Second, they're very absorbent, and they can stay damp for quite a while after use – particularly in those humid bathrooms.
Bath towels are the workhorses of the towel family, used daily and exposed to frequent washing. As a general rule, it is recommended to replace your bath towels every two to three years, with five years the maximum.
Diabetes can cause sweat to smell sweet, fruity, or like nail polish remover due to high ketone levels from uncontrolled blood sugar (diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA), a serious complication requiring immediate medical attention, often accompanied by excessive thirst, urination, weakness, nausea, or confusion. In some cases, uncontrolled diabetes might also lead to sweat smelling like ammonia, especially with kidney issues, or cause increased sweating.
Yes, there are several ways to eliminate ammonia-like sweat smells from your clothes. For example, you can use white vinegar, baking soda, or Borax. ACTIVE Detergent is another highly effective option. Simply add one scoop to the washing machine and run a normal wash cycle.
Put simply, soap residue accumulates in the fibres of the towels over time, which stops them from absorbing as much water as possible, and from drying as well as they could. Bacteria then starts to build up in the fabric, and, hey presto, you've got yourself mildewy, smelly towels in a pile of just-washed laundry.
In addition to enzymatic cleaners, household items like vinegar or baking soda can be effective in removing urine odors. Vinegar, a natural deodorizer, can be added to the washing machine, while baking soda can be used both as a pre-treatment paste and a laundry booster.
Rotten food in a hidden spot can mimic urine. If you drop fish or meat bits under a shelf, bacteria can break down proteins into ammonia. The result is a sharp, urine-like odor. Old insulation or vapor barriers in crawl spaces may give off similar smells.
Why Do My Clothes Smell Like Urine After Washing Them? This usually happens if the stain wasn't pre-treated or the washing machine wasn't effective at fully removing the odor. Try soaking in baking soda and washing again with a laundry pod.
Heavy duty detergent is needed. A stronger enzyme detergent is likely needed for animal pee. In general, the area should be spot washed before putting in the wash, which will help a lot in getting rid of the pee and smell. Regular Oxiclean powder also works great to get pee stains out.
Try mixing a cup of peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda, and a couple drops of dish detergent and putting it into a spray bottle. Spray the area, allow it to sit for about 20 minutes, and rub the affected area until the foul pee smell is eliminated.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes or hyperhidrosis can affect how your body processes waste, leading to an intense ammonia smell. It's essential to tune into your body's signals and consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect your sweat's scent is more than just a dietary or exercise-related quirk.
People with uncontrolled diabetes can experience a fruity or acetone-like smell (think nail polish remover) on their breath or skin. This is due to the buildup of ketones in your bloodstream, which is a byproduct of fat breakdown.
The "bathroom towel trick" usually refers to a popular, space-saving, and decorative towel rolling method that makes towels look like spa rolls, creating tight cylinders that store neatly and look elegant in bathrooms, often by folding in triangles and tucking the end into a pocket. Another less common "trick" involves using a towel for jawline exercise, where you bite down on a folded towel to strengthen jaw muscles, or a cooling method with a wet towel near a fan.
Studies have shown that towels can quickly become contaminated with bacteria commonly found on human skin, but also with those found in our guts. Even after washing, our bodies are still covered in microbes and perhaps unsurprisingly when we dry ourselves off, some of these transfer onto our towel.
“So what you want to do is change your towels at least three times each week because even on day three, your towel contains so much bacteria that you're better off washing or changing it. This can help with acne and many other skin problems,” the doctor advises.
To help get odor out of towels, it's best to wash them separately and using hot water. Towels are thick and have many fibers to absorb water, dirt and residue in their everyday use. Hot water penetrates the fibers best and helps your detergent do its job.
It is possible to continue to have body odor even when practicing good hygiene. Body odor (BO) is caused by bacteria and sweat, but it can also be influenced by: Medical conditions, including infections. Certain foods.