I've put towels through twice in 24 hours but they still smell ........... 'off'. They are blowing on the line trying to get some fresh air into them .......... I put a hot wash on without clothing last week and have done laundry since, maybe vinegar on a hot wash ?
Suggestions on a post card please
Yep that will be your best solution. I had this exact problem earlier this year when we had a prolonged period of wet weather here in Oz. Every time I would use a fresh towel there was something decidedly stinky about it.
So I did a google search and found the best remedy is vinegar. Put your washing machine empty through a full cycle with a couple of cups of white vinegar and hot water. Then to get rid of the sticky smell in your towels, put them through a cycle of vinegar and hot water. Worked a treat for me, and I haven't had the problem since.
I also always leave the lid of the washing machine open at least overnight until I'm certain the inside of the machine is totally dry.