Boil towels for 15 minutes

Fifteen minutes. That is the minimum duration Chef Charles Kim, known online as Chef Fatty, prescribes for submerging a stinky tea towel in boiling water.

The method requires adding approximately two tablespoons of washing soda to the pot. Kim argues that standard washing machine cycles fail to eliminate bacteria living deep within fabric fibers. He states that a normal wash leaves the odor intact.

Kim warns that adding more detergent worsens the problem. He explains that excess soap and fabric conditioner create a waxy residue on the fibers. This buildup traps body oils, dead skin cells, and moisture. The trapped residue creates ideal conditions for odor causing bacteria to thrive.

The chef advises against using a washing machine for heavily soiled towels. He told his audience in a recent video: "Never ever ever wash a stinky towel. Let me explain." He noted that if a towel still smells after a cycle, the bacteria remain inside the fibers.

Washing soda, or sodium carbonate, is a highly alkaline cleaner. It can be purchased ready made or produced at home. Kim previously explained that spreading baking soda on a tray and baking it at 180 degrees for 30 minutes transforms it into washing soda. The heat triggers a chemical reaction that removes water and releases carbon dioxide. This process increases the pH level, making the solution more effective at cutting through grease and softening hard water.

If a household lacks a large enough bucket or saucepan for the 15 minute boil, Kim offers a backup plan. He suggests using the washing machine on its hottest cycle. For this method, he recommends using oxygen bleach powder and detergent. He insists on avoiding fabric softener under all circumstances when laundering towels.

The technique targets the specific chemistry of trapped grime. By boiling the towels in an alkaline solution, users aim to dissolve the waxy film that standard detergents fail to remove. The result is a towel free of the mildew and bacteria that cause persistent kitchen odors.