Korean Job Discussion Forums

[xCustomx]

This is my 4th summer in Korea, but for some reason I'm having a hard time keeping my towels smelling fresh. They usually smell OK after washing and hang drying them, but after one use they absolutely stink and I have to wash them again. This is for both hand towels and large shower towels. I know it's probably due to the humidity, but is there something any of you do to keep the smell away?

[bassexpander]

Once moldy, they will be hard to clean out. Use some bleach (yes, colors will run so be careful). That should kill it off. Also, you need to dry them quickly and thoroughly after washing.

[amanda114]

To remove the smell add some baking soda to the wash as well as your usual liquid or powder. A hot wash might help as well. As soon as your washing is done, take your washing out and hang it to dry. If you have access to a clothes line outside, hang them out there as the sun will attempt to kill the bugs that are causing the smell. I also find that letting the washing get rained on and then dried helps. Of course it would be great to own dryers but we all can't be lucky here!
Good luck!

[matthews_world]

[PigeonFart]

Yes, the same thing happens to my clothes. I don't want to add to the smelly-foreigner stereotype!

[matthews_world]

Do you guys use electric clothes dryers?

Just as others do, I prefer air drying which, in the long run, cuts down on the carbon footprint.

What do you guys add to your detergent to prevent the musty smells due to summer heat?

[zpeanut]

hrm.. summer.. bad.

if u want to kill some bacteria, adding a small amount of white vinigar to your wash disinfects.

towels usually smell when they're damp, so... make sure they're in a very very dry place.. maybe your bathroom is too damp.

[matthews_world]

[merkurix]

Part of the problem I think is that with the high humidity, clothes take too log to dry (sometimes they never quite dry), and too long is enough time for mold and mildew to accumulate. Instead of hanging them outside or in the veranda cutoff, dry them indoors if you have the AC running. The bathroom is a constantly humid place, so you should run out of the bathroom with your towel around you and set it to dry in your AC cool room.

[Adventurer]

[Tommy]

When done with the large shower towel, don't leave it to dry in the humid bathroom... bring it into your larger bedroom or living room. I found this solved the problem.

[Mr. Pink]

[Kikomom]

[moosehead]

I use a fan in the same room as the drying rack - turn it on to help wet things dry faster - more than 24 hours and the heat and humidity will definitely cause a mildew problem which is where that sour smell comes from

if you've washed and dried them and it comes right back then yes, you have an infection problem and need to try some of those things suggested to get rid of it; bleach, vinegar, sunshine!!

[OiGirl]

Hot water wash (even if you have to schlep kettles from the kitchen)
Vinegar, bleach, or OxyClean
Dry in the sun

Just to agree/summarize