Dish towels undoubtedly play an important role in maintaining hygiene and order in any kitchen, but their active use often leads to the appearance of old greasy stains and unpleasant smell. It has long been believed that the traditional method of boiling is the best way to deal with this, but modern fabrics require a more gentle approach. In this article we will reveal how to wash kitchen towels from old greasy stains and odors at home in a washing machine, using means available to every housewife and without the need to boil the fabric.
Preparing towels for washing
To remove old grease stains and odors from kitchen towels at home with oil or other products, start by properly preparing them. All towels should first be carefully sorted. Select colored items from white ones and arrange them depending on the degree of soiling and type of fabric. It is important that heavily soiled items do not transfer stains to less dirty items during the washing process.
Before loading fabrics into the washing machine, pay attention to what to soak kitchen towels in before washing to remove old stains and odors. To pre-treat and get rid of stains and odors, you can use a mixture of warm water and a teaspoon of liquid soap, or a solution with soda and vinegar is also suitable. Towels soaked in this way should be left for some time so that the active substances can penetrate the fabric and begin their work.
Effective methods of washing
The choice of detergent is a critical moment for combating old stains and smell. In the assortment of stores you can find many options, including those designed to remove complex contaminants. Liquid laundry detergents typically contain additives that break down greasy substances, while powder laundry detergents often include bleaches that help remove the stale appearance of fabrics.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Using hot water | Soak towels in hot water before washing to loosen stains and dirt. |
| Using baking soda | Add baking soda to your laundry detergent or directly into the washing machine tub to improve wash performance. |
| Using Lemon Juice | Use fresh lemon juice to remove stubborn stains and freshen towels. |
| Soaking in vinegar | Soak towels in a vinegar solution before washing to combat odors and keep the fabric soft. |
| Using bleach | If necessary, add bleach to your laundry detergent according to the manufacturer’s instructions. |
Natural bleaches can also be quite effective. For example, how to bleach kitchen towels at home with vegetable oil and soda ash? This combination helps not only to whiten the fabric, but also to preserve its structure and color. A good way is to add a few tablespoons of soda ash to the soaking water and rub problem areas with a small amount of vegetable oil before washing.
Practical tips for washing towels
When washing towels, it is important not only choose the right product, but also determine the optimal mode for machine washing. The wash should be intense enough to remove all dirt, but soft so as not to damage the fabric. An important step is to adjust the water temperature: hot water works best on grease and stubborn stains, but may not be suitable for all types of fabrics, especially colored or delicate ones.
The drying process after washing the kitchen towels deserves no less attention. Natural drying in the fresh air not only eliminates remaining germs, but also allows the fabric to breathe, preventing the appearance of new odors. If drying outside is not possible, use a machine dryer with a delicates setting or low temperature to minimize any possible damage.
Problems and solutions
Often, housewives face problems after washing problem of hard towels. This may be the result of a build-up of limescale from hard water or detergent residue in the fabric fibers. To solve this problem, you can use:
- Water softeners, which are added to the washing machine compartment along with washing powder.
- Vinegar or citric acid as natural fabric softeners added to water when rinsing.
To preserve the color and shape of kitchen towels, you should avoid frequent use of chlorine bleaches, which can damage the fabric. If the smell on the towels still remains after washing, re-rinsing with a small amount of scented products or essential oils can solve this problem.
Conclusions
Washing dirty kitchen towels at home without boiling requires some knowledge and skills, but with the right approach it becomes a simple and effective process. Regular use of proper washing methods, stain removers and natural brighteners will make it easier to keep your towels clean and will make them last longer. It is important not to forget about regularity and attention to detail, because your coziness and comfort in the kitchen begins with the little things.
Frequently asked questions
- Can towels be washed with added vinegar if there are greasy stains on them?
Yes, vinegar is an excellent solution for washing towels. Not only does it help fight greasy stains, but it also softens the fabric, helps get rid of limescale deposits in the water and leaves the towels fresh. - How often should you wash kitchen towels?
It is recommended that you wash your kitchen towels after every heavy use or at least once a week. This will reduce the risk of bacterial growth and keep the towels in good condition. - What to do if old grease stains and odors still haven’t gone away?
If standard washing doesn’t work, Try soaking your towels in a solution of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or an enzyme-based grease-fighting solution for a few hours before washing. - Why can towels become stiff after washing?
The hardness of towels after washing is most often associated with detergent residues or the presence of lime in the water. To prevent hardness, you can use water softeners or add vinegar or citric acid to the rinse. - How to get rid of the smell on towels after washing?
Adding a few drops of essential oil with your favorite scent or using special fabric fresheners when rinsing can help eliminate unpleasant odors. It is important to ensure that the towels are thoroughly rinsed and completely dried after washing.