1. Don’t overload your washer. Instead of stuffing as many towels as possible into the washtub, layer them loosely, and cut back on the number you wash at one time. Chances are if your laundry is able to properly agitate in the soapy water, towels that once had a sour smell will come out clean and fresh.

2. Clean your machine. Just because the interior of a washing machine fills with soapy water doesn’t mean it doesn’t require occasional cleaning. If your laundry has a sour smell, once or twice a month run hot soapy water and bleach through your empty machine. If you just can’t stand to waste water, bleach and soap, toss in a few rags and kill two birds with one stone.

3. White vinegar. Vinegar is one of the most versatile natural cleaning products. White vinegar is inexpensive, and it really works. Besides cleaning and deodorizing hard surfaces, white vinegar is also great for refreshing clothes and getting rid of sour smell. Just put 1 cup vinegar in your rinse cycle.