How Do You Eliminate Musty Smell from Towels
There’s nothing worse than grabbing a freshly washed towel, only to be greeted by that stubborn, unpleasant musty smell. Whether it’s due to humidity, leftover detergent, or improper drying, smelly towels are a common but frustrating problem in many households.
But don’t worry-you’re not alone, and more importantly, there are several proven ways to eliminate musty smells from towels for good. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore what causes that odor, step-by-step solutions to remove it, and preventative measures to keep your towels smelling fresh every time.
What Causes Towels to Smell Musty?
Before you can fix the problem, it helps to understand why it happens. Some common reasons include:
- Retained moisture: Towels that aren’t fully dried after use or washing can harbor bacteria and mildew.
- Left in the washer too long: Forgetting towels in the washer even for a few hours can trigger musty odors.
- Detergent buildup: Too much detergent or fabric softener can trap moisture and bacteria in towel fibers.
- Hard water: Mineral buildup from hard water can also contribute to lingering smells.
- Poor ventilation: Bathrooms without good airflow can create a breeding ground for mildew.
How to Eliminate Musty Smell from Towels (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. The Vinegar & Baking Soda Method (No Detergent Needed)
This method is one of the most effective natural ways to strip out buildup and bacteria.
Step-by-Step:
- Step 1: Put the musty towels into the washing machine.
- Step 2: Run a hot water cycle with 1 cup of white vinegar (no detergent).
- Step 3: After the cycle ends, keep the towels in and run another hot water cycle, this time with ½ cup of baking soda.
- Step 4: Immediately dry towels thoroughly, preferably in a hot dryer or outside in the sun.
📌 Why it works: Vinegar breaks down residue and kills mildew, while baking soda deodorizes and softens.
2. Try a Deep Clean with Borax
Borax is a powerful natural cleaner that can help remove musty smells and bacteria.
Instructions:
- Add ½ cup of borax to a hot wash cycle along with detergent.
- Wash towels normally, then dry thoroughly.
💡 Tip: Combine this with a vinegar rinse afterward for even better results.
3. Use Oxygen Bleach for Whites
For white towels, oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach) is safer and effective at killing odor-causing mold or mildew.
- Soak towels in hot water with oxygen bleach for several hours.
- Then wash and dry as usual.
4. Dry Towels Properly
One of the biggest culprits of that musty smell? Improper drying.
Best practices:
- Dry towels immediately after washing-never leave them in the washer.
- Use the highest heat setting on your dryer.
- If air is drying, hang towels in a well-ventilated, sunny area.
🌞 Sunlight is a natural disinfectant!
5. Don’t Overload the Washer
Washing too many towels at once prevents them from being rinsed and spun properly, leading to detergent buildup and moisture retention.
🚫 Avoid loading more than 4–6 bath towels per cycle.
6. Use Less Detergent
More detergent doesn’t equal more clean. In fact, excess detergent leads to buildup, which traps moisture and bacteria.
👕 Use half the recommended amount if you’re using high-efficiency (HE) machines.
Prevention Tips to Keep Towels Fresh
To avoid the return of that musty smell, follow these ongoing tips:
- Hang towels properly after each use – Don’t leave them bunched up.
- Use hooks or bars for maximum air circulation.
- Avoid fabric softeners – They coat towel fibers and reduce absorbency.
- Wash towels every 3–4 uses to avoid odor buildup.
- Deep clean towels once a month using vinegar or baking soda methods.
- Clean your washing machine monthly – Front loaders especially can harbor mildew inside rubber seals.
Examples of Common Mistakes (and Fixes)
| Mistake | Problem Caused | Fix |
| Leaving towels in washer overnight | Musty, sour smell | Rewash using vinegar & baking soda |
| Using too much detergent | Buildup and poor rinsing | Use less, rinse with vinegar |
| Folding damp towels | Traps moisture & odor | Fully dry before folding |
| Storing in a closed cabinet too soon | No airflow for drying | Let them air out before storage |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use essential oils to freshen up towels?
A: Yes! Add a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil during the rinse cycle for a pleasant, natural scent. Just don’t rely on oils alone to mask smells-they should be used after deep cleaning.
Q: Is it safe to wash musty towels with other clothes?
A: Not recommended. Always wash musty towels separately to avoid transferring the odor or mildew to other laundry.
Q: How often should I replace towels?
A: High-quality towels can last 2–5 years with proper care. If they’re thin, fraying, or permanently smelly, it may be time for a replacement.
Q: Will air drying indoors work?
A: It can-but only if there’s good ventilation. Use fans, open windows, or dehumidifiers to help speed up drying.
Final Thoughts
Musty-smelling towels aren’t just annoying-they can harbor bacteria and ruin your post-shower experience. The good news is, you can eliminate those unpleasant odors with a few simple home remedies like vinegar, baking soda, and proper drying techniques. By following the steps and preventative tips above, you’ll enjoy fresh, clean towels every time.
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