Frustrated by persistent odour in kitchen towels

I use tide free & gentle detergent because I'm sensitive to fragrance. Kitchen towels & cleaning towels tend to get dirtier than other laundry so I always wash them on hot. I've never had a problem in my life until now.

I always measure the correct detergent amount using the cap. I've washed the same load of laundry 3 times, the third time on "extra large", with corresponding detergent, thinking the towels needed more room and more water. I also washed them a 4th time, using just white vinegar and no detergent, because I don't have a fabric softener compartment. I also dry them on hot in the dryer.

I'm frustrated by a lingering "cheesy" smell to my towels like they're not properly washed. It's causing a lot of chaos to not be able to use any of my kitchen towels atm.