Skip the machine: Boil towels for 15 minutes to kill odor

Chef Charles Kim, known online as Chef Fatty, says the washing machine often fails to remove stubborn smells from tea towels. He recommends boiling the fabric in a specific solution to eliminate bacteria that standard detergents leave behind.

In a recent video, Kim warned viewers to stop washing smelly towels in the machine. He stated that bacteria live inside the towel fibers and survive a normal wash cycle. He added that using more detergent makes the problem worse by trapping residue inside the fabric.

Kim explained that excess detergent and fabric conditioner create a waxy coating on the fibers. This coating holds onto body oils, dead skin cells, and moisture. The trapped ingredients create an environment where odor-causing bacteria and mildew can grow.

To fix the issue, Kim suggests filling a bucket or large saucepan with boiling water. He recommends adding approximately two tablespoons of washing soda to the water. After submerging the towel, the mixture should boil for at least 15 minutes.

Washing soda is a potent alkaline cleaner. Kim noted that it can be purchased ready-made or created at home. To make it, spread baking soda on a baking tray and place it in an oven at 180 degrees for 30 minutes. The heat transforms sodium bicarbonate into sodium carbonate, which cuts through grease more effectively than baking soda alone.

If a large enough pot is not available, Kim advises using the washing machine's hottest cycle. In that case, he says to use oxygen bleach powder and detergent. He warned against using fabric softener under any circumstances when laundering towels.

The boiling process removes the trapped gunk that allows bacteria to thrive. By eliminating the waxy residue and the bacteria within the fibers, the towel should emerge fresh and odor-free without the need for excessive chemical products.