How do you get towels really clean?

I use a little dab of bleach in the wash (or color safe bleach). It helps, but unfortunately once the smell gets in - it never truly goes away. Prevention is the best remedy!

after years of the problem..... Make sure your dryer vent lined is NOT obstructed... make sure you are using the right amount of detergent... also make SURE your cold water line is not patially obstructed or this rinse cycle will not ever be complete...wash towels with a few squirts of "spray and wash".... after washing like this.... tumble dry for about twenty minutes and then hang outside to finish drying IN THE SUNSHINE.... the sunlight kills many of the microbes that cause odor... done 3 times a year, i have never since had any problems with even the most PLUSH towels!!!!!!!!!!