First off, when was the last time you cleaned your washing machine? Like towels, washing machines can also harbor odors and bacteria. Over time, the inside of your machine could build-up detergent and fabric softener which in turn attracts and holds onto dirt.

How to Clean Your Washing Machine:

1. Set your washer to run at the highest capacity with the hottest water temperature 2. Add 3 to 4 cups of distilled white vinegar to the wash cycle 3. About 15 minutes into the cycle, stop your machine and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing the white vinegar to soak the wash tub and interior hoses 4. Resume and let wash cycle finish 5. Wipe the inside of your machine with a microfiber cloth to remove any lingering scum 6. Use some additional white vinegar to wipe down the rubber seal around the opening of the machine 7. Leave the lid or door of your washer open so that everything can dry, we suggest leaving it open when not in use as well to prevent mold and mildew Your dryer can also be wiped down with a rag and some distilled white vinegar. Be sure to clean out your lint trap too, and feel free to give it a good wash to get rid of any lingering dirt and odor. (Make sure it is completely dry before reinserting it.) Now that your machines are sparkly clean, let's wash some towels!

How to Deep Clean Your Towels:

1. Set your washer to run at the highest temperature 2. Make sure you aren’t overloading your washer with too many towels, there needs to be plenty of space for the water to lift and remove any unwanted build up and bacteria 3. Add one cup of distilled white vinegar and a half-cup of baking soda to your wash cycle, this will strip away whatever dirt and bacteria is caught up in the fabric (do not use any detergents or fabric softeners) 4. Once your wash cycle is complete, run your towels through another hot wash cycle to ensure any unwanted residue is stripped away 5. Once your second wash cycle is complete, immediately move your towels over to the dryer 6. Make sure towels are completely dry before folding them and putting them away, damp towels will only encourage the development mold and mildew again

Other helpful tips:

• Always read the care instructions, not all fabrics are made the same • Never wash dark colored towels with light colored towels, especially if they are new • Wash towels using cold water and dry thoroughly before using them for the first time to ensure they’re clean, fluffy and absorbent • Avoid washing towels with clothes, towels should be washed separately to avoid the transfer of germs and bacteria • If using fabric softener, use only according to the directions and do not use with every wash cycle, this will only cause build up and reduce the absorbency of the towels • Don't toss wet or damp towels into a hamper or basket, make sure they are hung up somewhere where they can dry properly to prevent the development of bacteria and odors Be sure to explore our wide selection of bath towels and other bathroom essentials at portandbay.com. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.