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cotton setting, which is usually the highest heat. Dry them until they are completely dry. Wash any of the non-whites the same way, except decrease the amout of liquid bleach to only 2 teaspoons per load and make sure it is thoroughly mixed with the water before adding any fabric to the basin.

Now that you have successfully de-stinkified your linens here are some tips to keep them that way.

1. Keep your bathroom, kitchen and laundry area clean. If the caulking or shower curtain start to show dark spots of mold that are not easily removed with cleaner, replace them. This is where the spores are coming from that are multiplying and stinking up your laundry.

2. Do not store clean linen in the bathroom, or any other area that is regularly moist and warm. If you don't have a linen closet, consider adding a decorative shelf in the hall just outside the bathroom.

3. Make sure your bathroom is very well ventilated with an exhaust fan, a window, or both. Leave the bathroom door open when not in use to increase the air flow and more quickly remove the excess moisture from the air after bathing.

4. Pull the shower curtain so that it can dry. Do not leave it gathered at one end where moisture can accumulate and provide a nice home for some lurking spores.

5. Always hang damp towels to dry immediately after use. Even if you do not plan to use them again, this is important. If the towel is dry when it hits the hamper it will not be a prime host for dormant spores.

6. Wash your clothing frequently. Perspiration and normal soiling can also breed mold and mildew if allowed to sit for too long.

7. Wash kitchen towels separately from bathroom towels and bedroom linens. The germ set is different and cross contamination is not a good thing.

8. Always use the instructions detailed above for washing linens. Adding a couple of teaspoons of liquid chlorine bleach to your wash loads will not significantly fade the fabrics, but will effectively kill any lingering spores and smells. Of course, do not use liquid bleach on any fine fabrics or any items that would be damaged.

9. When your washer is not in use, leave the door open. This will allow the interior to dry. If you have small children or pets, this may not be an option for safety concerns.

Besides the awful smell, mold can be a serious health issue, especially for those with allergies. Spend the time to rid your home of mold, and the prevention only takes a few moments daily. The work will be worth it when you reach for your towel and it smells just as fresh and lovely as you!

Learn more about this author, Wendy Minks.
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