Wet-for-weeks towels, ok to put in washing machine?

[WTF0ver]

We moved last month and I've just discovered a bucket of towels/cloths - that I'd used for cleaning my old place before we left - lying marinating in a plastic bag. They smell pretty whiffy. Is it safe to put these in the washing machine or will it deposit nasties in the drum etc? Should I just bin them or will they be ok in the wash? Thanks

Considering people wash reusable nappies in the washing machine, I think you're safe to wash them without fear of nasties! I'd put them on a hot wash on their own.

Put them on a rinse and then put them on a hot wash. Dry them outside and they should be fine.
If they still smell after than donate them to an animal rescue place, they can always do with old towels

I would but then put the washing machine on a 90 degree wash after it to wash the machine through

Put them on a long cycle hot wash, with a slosh of bleach if you want, extra rinse and then outside to dry.
They'll be fine and so will your machine.
Even if they still smell a bit musty after the wash time outside should fix that, even though not much drying happens at this time of year...

Hot wash. Add some white vinegar maybe for the smell?
You could always run a hot wash afterwards or use one of those cleaning liquids? I do this from time to time as I wash a lot of pet bedding too.

Definitely wash them at a high temp. You could also add some laundry cleanser to the wash, such as Napisan to well and truly get rid of any germs.

add white vinegar or bicarb to help with the smells

Have they got spot mould on? I've had this a couple of times in the past and it's never come out!

If not, Hottest wash you have, may need doing twice.

Don't put normal household bleach in your washing machine - it can create a foam party. A very hot wash and an extra rinse should sort it. Don't use loads of washing powder. I had to stop our removal guys using used damp towels to pack up our bathroom - took the towels with me in the car in a bin bag and washed them at the other end.

They're in the wash now! Put on highest temp, did my regular towels first, fingers crossed! Thank for the advice.