Introduction
Few things are more unpleasant than stepping out of a shower, wrapping yourself in a towel, and being hit with that musty, sour smell of mildew. Learning how to get rid of mildew smell in towels will not only make your laundry fresher but also extend the life of your towels. The good news? With the right cleaning method, you can banish that smell for good and prevent it from coming back.
Why Towels Develop a Mildew Smell
Towels are highly absorbent, which makes them perfect for drying off—but also perfect for trapping moisture. When damp towels aren’t dried properly, bacteria and mold begin to grow, causing the signature musty smell.
Common causes include:
- Leaving wet towels in a pile or laundry basket too long.
- Storing towels before they’re fully dry.
- Using too much fabric softener, which leaves residue that traps odors.
- Washing in cold water only, which doesn’t always kill bacteria.
Getting rid of the smell means targeting the bacteria and mold at the source—not just masking the odor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Mildew Smell from Towels
1. Wash Towels with Hot Water and White Vinegar
What to do:
- Place towels in the washing machine with no detergent.
- Add 1–2 cups of white distilled vinegar directly to the drum.
- Wash on the hottest cycle safe for the towel material.
Why it works:
Vinegar kills odor-causing bacteria and mold while dissolving buildup from detergent and fabric softener.
2. Run a Second Wash with Baking Soda
What to do:
- After the vinegar wash, leave towels in the machine.
- Add ½ cup of baking soda and run another hot cycle with no detergent.
Why it works:
Baking soda neutralizes odors and helps soften towels without adding residue.
3. Dry Towels Thoroughly
What to do:
- Dry towels on high heat in the dryer, or hang them outside in direct sunlight.
- Ensure they’re completely dry before folding or storing.
Why it works:
Heat and sunlight kill remaining bacteria and prevent the mildew smell from returning.
4. For Stubborn Smells, Soak Overnight
What to do:
- Fill a bathtub or large bucket with hot water, 1 cup vinegar, and ½ cup baking soda.
- Soak towels overnight, then wash as usual.
Why it works:
Extended soaking penetrates deep into fibers to loosen stubborn bacteria and odor.
5. Maintain Freshness with Regular Care
What to do:
- Wash towels every 3–4 uses.
- Avoid overloading the washer so towels can rinse fully.
- Skip fabric softener—use vinegar in the rinse cycle instead.
Why it works:
Consistent cleaning habits keep towels fresh and odor-free long-term.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using Fabric Softener Every Wash
Solution: Fabric softener leaves residue that traps odor. Use vinegar as a natural alternative.
Mistake 2: Storing Towels While Damp
Solution: Always let towels dry completely before folding and putting them away.
Mistake 3: Using Only Cold Water
Solution: Wash in warm or hot water regularly to kill bacteria.
Mistake 4: Overloading the Washer
Solution: Give towels space in the drum so water and detergent can circulate properly.
Mistake 5: Ignoring the Washing Machine Itself
Solution: Clean your washer monthly—bacteria buildup in the machine can transfer to towels.
Extra Laundry Tips & Hacks
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the wash for natural antibacterial power.
- Dry towels in direct sunlight whenever possible—it’s a natural deodorizer.
- Use dryer balls to keep towels fluffy and speed up drying time.
- Related guide: Check out our article on “How to Descale a Washing Machine Using Vinegar” for a fresh, odor-free washer.
Conclusion
Mildew-smelling towels don’t have to be a permanent problem. By washing with vinegar and baking soda, drying thoroughly, and maintaining proper laundry habits, you can enjoy fresh, clean towels every time.
Bonus Tip: Keep a small hamper or hook in your bathroom so wet towels can air out before wash day—this is one of the easiest ways to prevent mildew from forming in the first place.
Bookmark this guide so you’ll never have to deal with musty towels again.