No wonder it’s still dirty, it turns out this is how to wash dirty towels so they’re clean white

How to wash dirty towels | illustration photo: Gemini AI

Brilio.net – As an item that we use every day to dry our bodies, towels become damp very easily. This condition unfortunately becomes a favorite place for germs and bacteria to breed. In addition, towels that have been used for a long time often retain detergent residue that is not rinsed completely, making them appear black, dull, and of course less comfortable when touching the skin.

Many people recommend using baking soda or harsh bleach to fix this. However, if you run out of stock at home or are worried about chemicals damaging your skin, there are other more affordable alternatives. Quoting a trick from the Rumah Ummaji YouTube channel, it turns out that the key to clean towels is again in a mixture of detergent and an unexpected kitchen ingredient.

Materials that must be prepared

Before starting, make sure you have the following simple ingredients:

– 1 packet of citrus (citric acid).
– 1 small packet of detergent (free liquid or powder according to stock).
– Enough dish soap.
– Boiling hot water.

Steps to Wash Towels to Make them Shiny White

Follow these steps to remove dirty stains from your favorite towels:

1. Sprinkle Cleaning Agent: Place the towel in a bucket that is wide enough. Sprinkle one packet of citrus evenly over the entire surface of the cloth, then add liquid or powder detergent.

photo: YouTube/Ummaji House

2. Add Dish Soap: Pour enough dishwashing soap. This ingredient is very effective in removing fat or oil stains that stick to the towel fibers.

3. Hot Water Soaking Process: Splash the towel with really boiling water until it is completely submerged. Stir gently using a tool so that the cleaning formula penetrates the fabric fibers.

photo: YouTube/Ummaji House

4. Leave for a Moment: Let the towel soak in the solution for approximately 2 hours.

photo: YouTube/Ummaji House

5. Final Wash: After soaking, brush the areas that are still stained or put them in the washing machine for maximum cleaning. Finally, rinse with running water and dry in the sun until completely dry.

photo: YouTube/Ummaji House

Important Notes Regarding Fabric Care

Even though the results are very satisfying, this method should not be used every time you wash. Continuous use of hot water risks damaging the elasticity and softness of fabric fibers.

“This can be done once every 1-2 months or if you think the towels are starting to get dirty, so this can be done. It can’t be done every day, yes. It’s a shame for the fabric, I’m afraid it will quickly get damaged,” explained YouTube Rumah Ummaji, quoted BrilioFoodMonday (9/3/2026).

FAQ How to Clean White Towels

1. Is this method safe for colored towels?

Using citrus and hot water can cause color fading on towels that are not very strong in color. It is recommended to try on a small area first or specifically use white/light colored towels.

2. Why do you have to use dish soap?

Dish washing soap has a degreaser formula that is stronger than regular detergent to remove remaining skin fat or oil trapped in the towel fibers.

3. How long should towels be dried in the sun after washing?

Make sure the towel is completely dry in the sun. Towels that are still slightly damp when stored will invite mold and musty odors to reappear.

4. Can citrus be replaced with vinegar?

Vinegar has similar acidic properties, but for stubborn (blackened) stains, citrus usually provides quicker and more significant results.

5. How do you keep your towels from getting dirty quickly?

Always dry towels in a place exposed to air flow after use, and avoid stacking wet towels in the laundry basket for too long.

(brl/tin)