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Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,356
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Question about downy rinse and refresh.

@Glitter51 @rockygems123 here you go!

1)  Add your towels to the wash like normal.  Add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar.  Wash the towels with the vinegar on the hottest setting available.

2)  When the load is finished, wash the towels again on the hottest setting, but this time, add 1/2 cup of baking soda and 10 drops of tea tree essential oil.

3)  Dry towels.  They will come out so soft and clean!  And don't worry...they won't smell like tea tree oil or vinegar.  They just smell fresh and clean! Smiley Happy 

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,641
Registered: ‎11-25-2014

Re: Question about downy rinse and refresh.

@Pooky1 

 

Another hint-don't overload your washer, it really makes a difference.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,204
Registered: ‎03-30-2014

Re: Question about downy rinse and refresh.

Perhaps a review of how often they are washed, if they are damp when put in the hamper, amount of detergent, water temperature and use of a second rinse would be useful.

 

Towels are pretty easy.  

Adding another layer of scent could just add to the issue.

Valued Contributor
Posts: 584
Registered: ‎02-24-2018

Re: Question about downy rinse and refresh.

For years, we've used 1/2 white distilled vinegar and 1/2 water in the washer rinse cycle cup. Things are soft enough and no smell. I'm very sensitive to scents.

 

In fact, just walking in the neighborhood smelling heated dryer sheet chemicals makes me react. Can't imagine sleeping and wearing the chemical concoctions.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,727
Registered: ‎12-23-2015

Re: Question about downy rinse and refresh.

I could always buy any scented laundry detergent but Ieter'm not sure if it was because of a med my wife started taking but her arms were all breaking out and my mil gave us all free and clear detergent to try and her rash disappeared. I bought a detergent that wasn't free and clear and her rash came back so I have been using all.free and clear for like 12 years. I bought tide free and gentle and she broke out in hives from head to foot.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 34,654
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Question about downy rinse and refresh.


@Pooky1 wrote:

I could always buy any scented laundry detergent but Ieter'm not sure if it was because of a med my wife started taking but her arms were all breaking out and my mil gave us all free and clear detergent to try and her rash disappeared. I bought a detergent that wasn't free and clear and her rash came back so I have been using all.free and clear for like 12 years. I bought tide free and gentle and she broke out in hives from head to foot.


@Pooky1 Same experiences here!  I used Cheer free a long time ago, but then couldn't find it any more and switched to All free and clear, which is a lot better anyway!  I stay far away from Tide anything.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,546
Registered: ‎02-02-2015

Re: Question about downy rinse and refresh.


@Pooky1 wrote:

My towels absorb well. They just don't smsmell fresh and clean. I reserched downy rinse and refresh. Its fabric softener like the regular kind is. It doesn't coat everything like regular fabric softener does. It gets rid of smells and gets rid of old fabric softener and detergent left in fabric and in the washer. All reviews I read give it fantastic reviews. I was just want to hear if anyone here has used it.thank you for all your feed back. I have tried wite vinegar and my wife hated it because she could smell vinegar. I was going to try baking soda to. 


Have you tried the spray on fabric sanitizer?  Maybe that would help.  I've used it on workout clothing.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,597
Registered: ‎06-10-2015

Re: Question about downy rinse and refresh.

@Pooky1 .............Never use fabric softener on your towels.  It does not let the towels absorb water.  Put 1 to 2 cups plain vinegar in the rinse and your towels should smell nice and fresh.

BE THE PERSON YOUR DOG THINKS YOU ARE! (unknown)
Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,597
Registered: ‎06-10-2015

Re: Question about downy rinse and refresh.

@Pooky1 ..........After using a vinegar rinse, rinse them again.  The body oils and left over detergent and fabric softener mixed together is what is making your towels smell.

 

Dont use softener on anything fabric you want to absorb liquids.

BE THE PERSON YOUR DOG THINKS YOU ARE! (unknown)
Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,727
Registered: ‎12-23-2015

Re: Question about downy rinse and refresh.

I only use fabric softener on colored clothes. I never use it on towels.I tried it once and I saw the towels didn't absorb at all.