Many things cause bad-smelling towels

Dear Heloise: I have had this problem for more than a year now and can't find the solution. After using some of our bath towels, they have a bad smell on them, even if it's the first time since I've washed them. I have tried using fragrant detergent and fabric softener, but that isn't helping. Some of the towels aren't that old. I really need your help. Michele in Pennsylvania
Sour-smelling towels and washcloths can be caused by many things. One is overloading the washing machine -- a common mistake. Hint: Wash fewer towels at a time, use a high water-level setting and even a second rinse.
To try to remove the sour smell, wash in hot water with the normal amount of laundry detergent. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda or washing soda (it's different from baking soda and is found in the laundry aisle) to the washer at the beginning, or you can wait and add it to the rinse cycle. If you live in an area with hard water, increase the amount of soda to 3/4 cup.
You really shouldn't use fabric softener (liquid or sheets), either. The softeners can cause a buildup, and the towels will not absorb water as well. Check the manufacturer's label -- some even state not to use fabric softener.
After washing, put the towels in the dryer ASAP -- don't let them sit. Do a sniff test and see if they smell fresh again. If not, repeat the above steps.
This should do the trick. Baking soda is such a versatile product that I have compiled a six-page pamphlet filled with many of its uses. To receive a copy, please send 4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (63 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Just to show you how versatile and useful baking soda is, 200 tons of it was used to clean 99 years of paint and coal tar from the copper interior of the Statue of Liberty. How's that for history? Heloise
Dear Heloise: I read the letter advising people to take note of previous damages, etc., before renting a home. Excellent advice.
My husband and I have been renting houses to tenants for almost 40 years. I remember one young lady who took that advice to extremes. She looked and later returned with three typed pages of every nitpicking thing she found wrong with the house. We wondered why she was interested since she found so many flaws.
We were insulted, as we'd spent weeks readying the house. We didn't consider renting to her for a minute.
So, when checking to make sure a house is in good repair, try not to insult the owners when discussing a home. If it's really in disrepair, leave. Lois K., Omaha, Neb.
Dear Heloise: To keep sterling-silver jewelry looking beautiful, store it with sterling flatware in a tarnish-proof chest! Marilyn in Arkansas
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate