How to Get Mildew Smells Out of Towels?

Have you ever stepped out of the shower and grabbed a fluffy towel that smelled musty instead of fresh?

Yuck! This common problem can turn a relaxing routine into a frustrating experience.

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Mildew is often the culprit—a stubborn invader that loves damp, poorly dried towels. Don’t let mildew ruin your daily routine.

This expert-driven blog provides practical ways to remove odors from towels and prevent them in the future.

Ready to reclaim the joy of a fresh-smelling towel? Let’s dive in!

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3 Best Ways To Prevent Smelly Towels

The three best ways to prevent smelly towels are to dry them right away, wash them with white vinegar and warm water, and store them in an open space to air dry and prevent mold.

Our cleaning experts explain these towel-cleaning tips below.

1) Dry Wet Towels Right Away

Drying wet towels right away prevents mildew smells in towels. Avoid leaving damp towels in the washer or in dark, confined areas like laundry chutes or closets.

Instead, hang your damp towels on a hanger to let them naturally air dry, even before tossing them in the washing machine.

Additionally, you can prevent moldy smells on your towels by setting your dryer to tumble dry on low heat. This takes longer but ensures your towels are completely dry.

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Furthermore, always move damp towels from the washer to the dryer right away to avoid moldy smells. Likewise, don’t let towels sit in the dryer for too long.

Instead, hang them out to air dry after your drying cycle to ensure no moisture remains.

Lastly, don’t overload your washer or dryer with too many towels. Excessive laundry loads are harder to dry properly, leaving your towels damp after your drying cycle.

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2) Wash With White Vinegar and Hot Water

Add a cup of white vinegar to your fabric softener compartment to remove mildew smells.

For washing machines without a fabric softener or pre-wash compartment, you can pour a cup of white vinegar into the washer once it is full of warm water.

During regular laundry cycles, pour 1/4 cup of bleach-free laundry sanitizer in your laundry softener slot. This keeps towels and clothes from smelling bad or moldy.

Optionally, you can run a second wash with a half cup of baking soda or detergent for stubborn mildew smells on towels.

Lastly, a third wash with detergent may be needed for heavy-duty towel cleanings.

3) Store Clean Towels in Open Spaces

Once cleaned, place fresh towels on open shelving instead of storing them in a cupboard or closet. Humid and dark rooms are breeding grounds for mold and mildew on towels.

Also, consider storing towels in cool rooms with plenty of sunlight and air circulation.

This allows any leftover moisture to evaporate, while bright light prevents mildew buildup on towels.

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What is Mildew in Towels?

Mildew is a fungus that grows in moist or warm conditions.

Often soaked with water during use, towels stay exposed to moisture for hours, which may be enough to enable mildew to start growing across the fabric.

Mildew appears as a thin, whitish, or grayish coating on towels. Sometimes, it can be patchy and accompanied by a musty odor.

Besides the unpleasant smell, mildew causes towels to deteriorate more quickly.

Should You Be Concerned About Mildew on Towels?

Yes, mildew on towels may be dangerous for your health. Make sure to keep towels dry after use and wash them regularly.

Dry towels keep mildew away and protect your health. Here are some issues that washing and storing towels properly can prevent.

• Health Issues: If you breathe mildew, you may get headaches, sore throats, coughs, sneezes, etc. It may trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. Moreover, it can also cause skin irritation.

• Harmful to Fabrics: Mildew can also be harsh on fabric, damaging and deteriorating your towels over time.

What Causes Towel Mildew Odor?

Before addressing your mildew problem, you should understand the primary reasons behind that musty towel smell. Towels can develop a mildew odor for diverse reasons, including:

Insufficient Drying

Leaving towels damp for long periods is a primary reason for mildew growth. If you’ve ever forgotten towels inside the front-load washer overnight, you are not alone!

Damp towels left in an enclosed space, including a washing machine or laundry, create ideal conditions for mildew and bacteria to proliferate.

The limited airflow and prolonged moisture encourage these microorganisms’ growth, resulting in an unpleasant and musty odor.

Overcrowded Storage

Not everyone has a large linen closet, but cramming too many towels can damage them.

When towels are packed too tightly collectively, there may be little room for air circulation, which is critical to keeping towels sparkling clean over time.

Finding a good office Open shelving storage for towels works like a charm. You can also hang your towels on a drying rack outdoors or on a balcony.

However, line drying outside may not be ideal for everyone, as it can lead to pollen and mold spores settling on your towels.

To prevent this, store your towels in a cool and well-ventilated space. Good airflow in your storage area can significantly lower the risk of mildew.

Why Aren’t My Towels Fresh After Being Washed?

Washing your towels thoroughly only to find a sour smell when you reach the laundry basket can be frustrating. If your towels still smell musty, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

Using Detergent Separately

While detergent is essential, more is needed to keep smelly towels fresh. A good tip is to use white vinegar along with your detergent. Vinegar helps break down detergent residues and remove odors.

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Hard Water Deposits

If you live in an area with hard water, the minerals in the water can build up on your towels.

Hard water deposit buildup can make the fabric feel stiff and lead to a musty smell, even after washing.

To combat this, try adding white vinegar and bleach to the rinse cycle. This can help reduce mineral deposits, making your towels feel softer and smell fresher.

Overloading the Washing Machine

It’s tempting to scrub all your laundry at once, but overloading your washing machine can result in poorly cleaned and rinsed clothes.

When the machine is too full, water and detergent can’t circulate easily, leaving dust and mildew behind.

To avoid this, wash fewer towels at a time, ensuring enough space for them to move around and get thoroughly cleaned.

How to Make Towels Smell Fresh Again?

If your towels smell musty from mildew, we have some great tips to keep your fluffy towels smelling fresh using eco-friendly cleaning products and everyday household items.

Here are the best cleaning tips in three easy steps.

Step 1: Washing with Vinegar

Vinegar’s acidity kills mildew and bacteria while removing leftover soap or detergent residue. Indeed, vinegar is a natural deodorizer that removes musty smells from standard fabrics like towels.

To remove the musty odor from your towels, wash them in warm water with 1 cup of white distilled vinegar in the dispenser.

Add vinegar for the last rinse if your washing system has a fabric softener compartment. If not, pour it in while the washing machine is full of warm water.

Step 2: Wash Again with Baking Soda

After the initial wash with vinegar, run a second wash cycle with hot water for heavier-duty odor removal.

Run a second wash with hot water, half a cup of baking soda, and regular laundry detergent. This will remove any lingering smells and keep towels soft longer.

Combining these two washes guarantees that your towels are easy to wash and detergent residue-free.

Step 3: Dry Your Towel

After washing, hang your towels on the open terrace or outside to let them dry completely.

Shake towels vigorously to remove excess water, then put them in direct sunlight or dry them in the washer’s hottest setting.

Avoid folding damp towels, as this will lure moisture and increase the risk of mildew. You can also tumble dry your towels, which is crucial for preserving their freshness.

Step 4: Add Essential Oils

Add a few drops of essential oil to your detergent or dryer balls for extra freshness. This not only keeps towels smelling fresh but also has antimicrobial benefits.

Additionally, some essential oils have antimicrobial properties, which could help prevent mildew.

Not to mention, they will improve the overall freshness of your towels while giving off a delightful odor.

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More Expert Towel Cleaning Hacks

Washing your white towels may be challenging, but there are powerful strategies to prevent ugly odors from developing.

Following these preventative tips allows you to enjoy fresh-smelling towels without constant washing.

Trust us, your towels will stay gentle, fluffy, and free from ugly odors.

Skip Fabric Softeners

While fabric softeners may make your towels smell nice, it’s OK to avoid them.

Fabric softeners leave a residue on the fibers that blocks breathability and allows sweat, dust, and mildew to accumulate. This residue lures moisture and promotes mildew growth.

Instead, consider dryer sheets or wool dryer balls, which could help keep your hand towels fluffy without the downsides of fabric softeners.

Clean Your Washer Regularly

Detergents, fabric softeners, and other products can leave residue on washing machines over time, which might transfer onto your towels.

Use a microfiber cloth soaked in a cup of white vinegar to clean your washing machine monthly. This will keep it free from unpleasant odors.

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Choose the Right Detergent

Low-quality detergents can cause your towels to smell sour. Opt for heavy-duty detergents in the first place.

For example, Tide Hygienic Clean Pods should do the trick.

These are more effective than regular detergents and will keep your towels clean and fresh, allowing you to enjoy them every time.

Thorough Bathing

Clean your armpits, feet, and inner thighs thoroughly, as these areas tend to sweat more. If not cleaned well, bacteria can grow on the skin and the wet towel, developing a sour smell. A good wash can help reduce bacterial buildup and keep your towels smelling fresh.

Use a Separate Towel for Hair

Designate a separate towel specifically for drying your hair. Hair can hold moisture and oils that could contribute to the odor of your regular bath towels. Using dedicated bath towels for your hair can keep them cleaner and fresher for longer.

Wash Fabrics and Towels Regularly

To keep your towels smelling clean, scrub them monthly or after about 5 to 6 uses.

If you use terry cloth towels, wash them separately from other clothes to avoid snagging or pulling.

Always check the care labels on your towels for precise washing commands. This will help you keep them in great condition.

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Cotton vs. Microfiber: Which Bath Towels Are Best?

When choosing bath towels, consider buying microfiber towels instead of cotton.

Microfiber towels offer great benefits, especially in moisture-wicking abilities, which can help reduce laundry loads and save you time.

Unlike cotton, microfiber is a synthetic fabric that does not harbor microorganisms. It prevents unpleasant odors that are associated with cotton towels. Their design allows efficient moisture absorbency and quick drying.

Don’t worry if your microfiber bathtub towel isn’t as cozy as a cotton towel. High-quality microfiber towels are soft and smooth and are an excellent alternative to cotton.

Keeping Towels Mold and Mildew-Free

No one likes mildew or stinky towels. To keep your towels smelling fresh, follow these steps regularly.

First, dry them immediately after washing. Next, wash towels with a potent laundry detergent, white vinegar, and baking soda. Finally, avoid overcrowding your linen closet. On occasion, let your towels air out in the sun.

These simple habits could make a massive difference in preserving fresh and clean towels and avoiding pesky mold smells.