How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Towels: A Comprehensive Guide

That lingering musty smell coming from your freshly “cleaned” towels? It’s likely mildew, and it’s a common household frustration. Towels, by their very nature, are absorbent and often stored in warm, humid bathrooms, creating the perfect breeding ground for these odor-causing microbes. This unwanted mildew not only makes your towels unpleasant to use, but can also exacerbate allergies and leave a lingering stale scent throughout your bathroom.

Eliminating the mildew smell from your towels is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home. Ignoring the issue allows the mildew to thrive, potentially spreading to other fabrics and surfaces. Plus, nobody wants to dry off with a towel that smells less than fresh! With a few simple techniques, you can effectively banish that musty odor and restore your towels to their fluffy, fresh-smelling glory.

What are the best methods for banishing that mildew smell?

Why do my towels smell like mildew even after washing?

That persistent mildew smell in your freshly washed towels is usually caused by lingering moisture that allows mold and bacteria to thrive. These microorganisms flourish in damp environments and produce the musty odor. Even if you wash your towels regularly, incorrect washing practices, insufficient drying, or storing them while still damp can create the perfect conditions for this problem.

The primary culprit is often low wash temperatures coupled with inadequate detergent. Many detergents are designed to work best in warmer water, and using cold water may not fully eliminate the bacteria and mold spores embedded within the towel fibers. Furthermore, overloading the washing machine restricts water flow and prevents proper rinsing, leaving behind detergent residue that can attract more grime and contribute to the odor. Fabric softeners can also exacerbate the problem by coating the fibers and trapping moisture. Finally, proper drying is crucial. If towels are left crumpled in a heap or stored in a humid bathroom, they remain damp for extended periods, allowing the mildew to multiply. Even a seemingly “dry” towel might still harbor enough moisture deep within its fibers to promote bacterial growth. Ensuring towels are completely dry before folding or storing them is essential to prevent that lingering musty smell.

What’s the best way to prevent mildew smell in towels?

The single best way to prevent mildew smell in towels is to ensure they are completely dry as quickly as possible after each use. Mildew thrives in damp, dark environments, so depriving it of moisture is the key to prevention. This means fully drying your towels after every shower, bath, or hand wash, and storing them in a well-ventilated area.

To elaborate, even seemingly dry towels can harbor enough moisture deep within their fibers to encourage mildew growth. Don’t simply hang a damp towel on a hook and forget about it. Instead, spread the towel fully on a towel rack or hang it outside if the weather permits. The increased surface area allows for faster evaporation. Consider using a fan to circulate air around the towels, especially in humid bathrooms. Investing in high-quality towels made from absorbent materials like Turkish cotton can also help, as they dry more efficiently. Furthermore, proper washing techniques play a crucial role in prevention. Wash towels frequently, at least every three to four uses, to remove accumulated body oils, dead skin cells, and soap residue that can contribute to mildew growth. Use hot water and a good quality detergent, and consider adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle, as vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. Avoid overloading the washing machine, as this can prevent the towels from being properly cleaned and rinsed. After washing, promptly transfer the towels to the dryer, and ensure they are completely dry before folding and storing them. If you air dry them, make sure they are in a well-ventilated area and not bunched together.

Can baking soda or vinegar really remove mildew smell from towels?

Yes, both baking soda and vinegar are effective, natural ways to remove mildew smell from towels. They work by addressing the underlying cause of the odor: mold and bacteria growth. Vinegar’s acidity helps to kill mold and bacteria, while baking soda neutralizes odors and helps to loosen mildew spores, making them easier to wash away.

Vinegar, specifically white distilled vinegar, is a mild acid that disinfects and deodorizes. When used in the wash, it helps to break down the mildew and kill the bacteria that cause the musty smell. You can add a cup of vinegar to your washing machine’s dispenser in place of your usual detergent. For a particularly stubborn odor, soak the towels in a solution of vinegar and water for a few hours before washing. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a mild alkali with deodorizing and cleaning properties. It neutralizes acidic odors and helps to lift dirt and mildew from the towel fibers. Add a half cup of baking soda to your washing machine along with your regular detergent to help freshen and remove mildew smells. For extremely smelly towels, you might pre-soak them in a baking soda and water solution before washing. In either case, avoid using too much detergent or mixing baking soda and vinegar at the same time as they will neutralize each other in solution. To prevent mildew from returning, ensure your towels are completely dry after each use. Hang them in a well-ventilated area. Regularly wash your towels, and occasionally use the baking soda or vinegar treatment as a preventative measure.

How often should I wash my towels to avoid mildew buildup?

You should wash your towels after every three uses to prevent mildew buildup. This frequency balances hygiene with preventing excessive wear and tear on the fabric.

Even with diligent washing, mildew can sometimes develop, especially if towels aren’t dried properly. Damp towels left in humid environments, like bathrooms, are breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Thoroughly drying your towels after each use is crucial. Hang them on a towel rack where air can circulate freely, or even better, toss them in the dryer for a few minutes after use to eliminate lingering moisture. If you notice a musty smell, it’s a sign that mildew is starting to grow and it’s time for a wash, even if you haven’t reached the three-use limit. Here are some tips for keeping towels fresh:

• Ensure proper ventilation in your bathroom.
• Avoid leaving damp towels in a heap.
• Periodically wash towels with hot water and white vinegar to kill mildew spores.

Does drying towels outside help get rid of mildew smell?

Yes, drying towels outside can significantly help get rid of mildew smell. The combination of sunlight and fresh air acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, killing mildew spores and evaporating the moisture that allows them to thrive. Sunlight’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are particularly effective at breaking down the organic compounds that cause the musty odor.

The reason outdoor drying works so well is multifaceted. First, direct sunlight has a bleaching effect, which, while primarily affecting color over time, also contributes to the breakdown of mildew itself. More importantly, UV radiation emitted from the sun attacks the DNA of mildew spores, rendering them inactive and preventing them from reproducing and causing further odors. Second, the constant airflow found outdoors helps to thoroughly dry the towels, eliminating the damp environment in which mildew flourishes. Indoor drying, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces, often leaves towels slightly damp, perpetuating the mildew problem. However, it’s important to note that outdoor drying alone might not be a complete solution for heavily mildewed towels. If the smell is deeply ingrained, pre-treating the towels with a mildew-killing solution (like white vinegar or baking soda and water) before washing them is recommended. Also, be mindful of pollen and other allergens in the air, especially if you or someone in your household has sensitivities. In those cases, drying indoors with a dehumidifier might be a better option after the initial cleaning.

Are there specific detergents that are better for removing mildew odor?

Yes, detergents containing enzymes or those specifically formulated for odor removal are generally more effective at eliminating mildew odor from towels. Enzyme-based detergents break down the organic compounds produced by mildew, while odor-targeting detergents often neutralize the smell rather than just masking it.

Enzyme-based detergents are particularly effective because mildew odors are caused by bacteria and fungi that produce organic waste. The enzymes in the detergent act as catalysts, accelerating the breakdown of these organic compounds into smaller, odorless molecules. Look for detergents specifically labeled as “enzyme-based” or containing enzymes like protease, amylase, or cellulase. These are commonly used in laundry detergents designed for stains and odors caused by food, sweat, and yes, mildew.

In addition to enzyme detergents, consider detergents that contain oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate). Oxygen bleach is gentler on fabrics than chlorine bleach but still provides powerful cleaning and deodorizing properties. It helps to kill the mildew spores and further eliminate the odor. Avoid using fabric softeners when treating mildew smells, as they can coat the fibers and trap odors, making them more difficult to remove. After washing with the specialized detergent, ensure towels are thoroughly dried, preferably in direct sunlight, to prevent mildew from recurring.

What temperature should I wash towels at to kill mildew?

To effectively kill mildew and its associated odors in towels, wash them in hot water, ideally at 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) or higher. This temperature is generally considered the minimum needed to eliminate mildew spores. Lower temperatures may not be sufficient, particularly for deeply embedded mildew.

While a hot water wash is crucial, it’s only one part of the process. Before washing, inspect your towels for visible signs of mildew, such as dark spots. Pretreat these areas with a mildew-killing laundry booster or a solution of diluted white vinegar. Washing alone may not completely eradicate established mildew, so pretreatment improves the chances of success. After washing, ensure the towels are thoroughly dried, preferably in a hot dryer. If you’re able to dry them outside in direct sunlight, this is even better, as the UV rays can further help to kill any remaining mildew spores. Make sure the towels are completely dry before folding and storing them, as any residual moisture can cause mildew to return. If the mildew smell persists after one wash, repeat the process, and consider using a stronger mildew-killing agent.

And that’s it! Hopefully, these tips will have your towels smelling fresh and clean again. Thanks for reading, and we hope you’ll come back soon for more helpful hints around the house!