15-Minute Boil Removes Smells Washing Machines Miss
A chef recommends submerging odorous tea towels in boiling water mixed with two tablespoons of washing soda to eliminate trapped bacteria.
By Jabari Long ·
Tea towels that retain odors after standard washing can be cleaned by boiling them for 15 minutes with washing soda. Chef Charles Kim, known online as Chef Fatty, promoted this method in a recent video to address persistent smells in kitchen textiles.
Kim argued that standard washing machines often fail to remove bacteria from towel fibers. He stated that bacteria live inside the fabric and a normal wash does not eliminate them. He warned viewers not to wash stinky towels in the machine because the process can worsen the problem.
The chef explained that adding extra detergent to a machine cycle traps residue within the fibers. This buildup holds onto body oils, dead skin cells, and moisture. These conditions allow odor-causing bacteria to thrive. He noted that fabric softener creates a similar waxy residue that hinders cleaning.
Kim’s recommended process involves filling a bucket or large saucepan with boiling water. The user should add approximately two tablespoons of washing soda to the water. The towel is then submerged in the solution and boiled for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Washing soda can be purchased ready-made or created at home. Kim previously described a method to make it by spreading baking soda on a baking tray and placing it in an oven at 180 degrees for 30 minutes. This heat transforms sodium bicarbonate into sodium carbonate. The chemical change increases the pH level, making the cleaner more effective at cutting grease and removing stains.
For those without a large enough pot, Kim suggested using the hottest cycle on a washing machine. In that case, he advised using oxygen bleach powder and detergent. He emphasized that fabric softener should never be used when laundering towels to prevent residue buildup.
