How to Get Musty Smell Out of Towels (and Prevent It from Coming Back)

Musty-smelling towels can quickly turn a relaxing shower into a frustrating experience. If you’ve noticed an unpleasant odor lingering on your towels, you’re not alone. Tackling this problem is essential, not only to keep your linens fresh but also to ensure proper hygiene.

This blog will help you understand why towels get musty and guide you through practical solutions to eliminate the odor for good. From quick fixes to deep cleaning methods for cleaning your towels and prevention tips, you’ll have everything you need to keep your towels smelling fresh and clean at Sanitation Towel.

Why Do Towels Get Musty?

Towels are especially prone to developing musty smells due to their frequent exposure to moisture. Bacteria and mildew thrive in damp environments, and towels often provide the perfect conditions for them to grow. Here are some common causes of musty towel odor:

1. Ineffective Drying: When towels don’t dry completely between uses, moisture gets trapped in the fabric, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew.

1. Laundry Mistakes: Washing towels incorrectly, such as using too much detergent or skipping hot water cycles, can leave residue and buildup that harbors odor-causing bacteria.

1. Improper Storage: Folding and storing towels before they are completely dry can lead to mildew growth, even if they smelled fine right after washing.

Understanding these causes is essential for addressing the root of the issue and preventing it from recurring.

Quick Fixes for Musty Towels

If you’re pressed for time and need a quick solution to get rid of the smell, these methods are effective and easy to try:

1. Rewash with Vinegar

Vinegar is an excellent natural deodorizer that neutralizes odors and breaks down residue left by detergents.

• Place your musty towels in the washing machine.

• Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser.

• Wash using hot water (avoid adding detergent at this stage).

2. Try Baking Soda

Baking soda neutralizes odors and helps soften towels, making it a perfect quick fix.

• Add 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drum of your washing machine.

• Run a hot water cycle without detergent.

Both of these methods can work wonders to eliminate musty odors, but sometimes tougher smells require a deeper clean.

Deep Cleaning Techniques for Persistent Odors

If you’ve tried the quick fixes and still detect an odor, it’s time for more intensive solutions. Follow these steps to deep clean your towels:

1. The Vinegar and Baking Soda Method

This tried-and-true combo helps remove the most stubborn odors.

• Step 1: Wash the towels in hot water with 1 cup of white vinegar. Do not add detergent.

• Step 2: After the first wash is complete, run a second cycle with hot water and 1/2 cup of baking soda.

2. Use Borax

Borax is a powerful laundry booster that eliminates bacteria and mildew.

• Dissolve 1/2 cup of borax in warm water before adding it to your washing machine.

• Wash towels using the hottest water setting.

3. Try a Laundry Booster

Shop for antibacterial laundry boosters like oxygen bleach or professional odor-removal products specifically designed for fabrics. Follow the instructions on the label for the best results.

These methods go beyond surface cleaning, ensuring that even the deepest layers of fabric are free from bacteria and buildup.

The Importance of Proper Drying

Cleaning your towels is only part of the equation. Proper drying prevents moisture from lingering, which is key to keeping those musty smells at bay.

1. Use a Dryer

Tumble drying towels on a high-heat cycle ensures they dry fully and eliminates moisture. Be sure to follow the fabric care instructions on your towels to avoid overheating.

2. Hang Towels Properly

If you prefer air drying, hang your towels in a well-ventilated area with plenty of airflow. Use a drying rack or hooks so the towels aren’t bunched up, which can trap moisture.

3. Dry Immediately After Washing

Don’t leave freshly washed towels sitting in the washing machine. The damp environment could allow bacteria to thrive, undoing all the cleaning work you’ve just done.

By focusing on drying techniques, you can drastically cut down on the chances of musty smells returning.

Preventing Musty Towel Odors

Prevention is always better than cure! Keep your towels smelling fresh for longer by adopting these simple habits:

1. Avoid Piling Up Wet Towels

Leaving wet towels in a heap creates the perfect environment for mildew. Hang them up to dry immediately after use.

2. Wash Towels Frequently

Wash your towels after every three to four uses to stop bacteria buildup before it starts.

3. Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Too much detergent can leave residue on towels, leading to odor. Use no more than the recommended amount.

4. Clean Your Washing Machine

Over time, washing machines can develop residue and bacteria, contributing to musty laundry. Run an empty hot water cycle with 2 cups of vinegar or a washing machine cleaner once a month.

5. Choose Quick-Drying Fabrics

Opt for towels made with quick-drying materials like microfiber or lightweight cotton. They dry faster, making it harder for mildew to grow.

These preventative steps are easy to incorporate into your routine and will ensure your towels remain fresh and clean.

Fresh Towels, Happy Space!

Musty-smelling towels don’t have to be a recurring frustration. By understanding the causes, treating the odors with effective cleaning methods, and adopting preventative measures, you can enjoy fresh towels every time. Clean, dry, properly stored towels aren’t just about convenience, they contribute to a healthier, more comfortable home.

If you found these tips regarding How to Get Musty Smell Out of Towels, useful or have some tried-and-tested methods of your own, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Say goodbye to musty towels for good!