Question: I have a problem with towels. They smell of mildew no matter how many times I wash them. Bleaching the white towels has worked, but since I can't bleach the colored towels how do I disinfect them?
Answer:
For the colored bath towels, there are a couple of things you can do. First; buy a detergent that has a sanitizer claim on the label. Follow the direction as to the amount of product required and then soak the towels overnight in water temperatures of 110-120 degrees. The following day drain the wash and rewash normally, which should kill the mildew.
Second method: Use your normal detergent in water temperatures of 110-120 degrees and let the machine wash for approximately 5 minutes. After that time turn back your timer to the start position and add 3-4 cups of 1% hydrogen peroxide to the machine. Washing the load normally from there should kill any mildew in the towels.
From:
http://www.laundrytoday.com/index.php/business-mainmenu-29/smell-a-odor/504-mildew-smell-on-towels
