How to Get Smell Out of Towels: The Ultimate Guide

Have you ever reached for a freshly “laundered” towel, only to be met with a musty, unpleasant odor? It’s a common household frustration! Even with regular washing, towels can harbor bacteria and mildew deep within their fibers, leading to lingering smells that defy even the strongest detergents. These smells aren’t just unpleasant; they can also indicate the presence of mold and bacteria that can be harmful to your health. Using smelly towels can transfer these unwanted microbes back onto your skin, defeating the purpose of a good scrub.

Nobody wants to dry off with a towel that smells like a damp basement. Thankfully, banishing that musty smell from your towels is easier than you might think. With the right techniques and a little know-how, you can revive your towels and restore their fresh, clean scent, ensuring a more pleasant and hygienic experience after every shower or hand wash. Reclaim your towels and enjoy the feeling of truly clean comfort.

What causes towel odors and how do I get rid of them for good?

Why do my towels smell even after washing them?

The lingering odor in freshly washed towels is usually caused by a buildup of bacteria, mold, and mildew. This happens because towels retain moisture for extended periods, creating a breeding ground for these microorganisms, especially when combined with body oils, dead skin cells, and soap residue that aren’t fully removed during washing.

Even seemingly clean towels can harbor a surprising amount of bacteria deep within their fibers. Front-loading washing machines, while energy-efficient, often use less water, making it harder to completely flush out these residues. Moreover, using too much detergent can also contribute to the problem, as excess soap doesn’t always rinse away properly and becomes another food source for bacteria. Improper drying, like leaving towels damp in a pile or in a poorly ventilated bathroom, exacerbates the issue. To eliminate the smell and prevent it from returning, consider a deep cleaning process. This typically involves washing towels with hot water, using a combination of vinegar and baking soda to naturally disinfect and deodorize, and ensuring they are completely dried, preferably in direct sunlight or on high heat in the dryer. Regular preventative measures, such as proper ventilation and using the correct amount of detergent, are also crucial for maintaining fresh-smelling towels.

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

The best way to prevent mildew smell in towels is to ensure they dry completely and quickly after each use. This means spreading them out fully in a well-ventilated area, ideally with good airflow, or using a clothes dryer on a medium or high heat setting until bone dry.

Moisture is the primary culprit behind mildew growth, and towels, with their absorbent nature, provide the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria if left damp. Simply hanging a crumpled or folded towel over a hook after showering is a recipe for musty smells. Instead, spread the towel on a towel bar or hang it outside on a clothesline. Maximizing the surface area exposed to air allows for faster evaporation. If using a dryer, don’t overload it, as this can hinder proper drying. Ensure the towels are completely dry before folding and storing them. For optimal results, consider these supplementary steps. First, use a high-quality detergent when washing your towels and avoid using excessive amounts of fabric softener, which can leave a residue that traps moisture and promotes bacterial growth. Second, occasionally wash your towels in hot water with a cup of white vinegar to kill any existing mildew spores. Finally, if you live in a humid climate, a dehumidifier in the bathroom can significantly reduce moisture levels and further prevent mildew from taking hold.

Can baking soda really help remove odors from towels?

Yes, baking soda can be a very effective and natural way to help remove odors from towels. Its alkaline properties neutralize acidic odor molecules, absorbing and eliminating the smells rather than just masking them.

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a mild alkali that reacts with both acids and bases, effectively neutralizing many common odor-causing compounds found in towels. These odors often stem from mildew, mold, body oils, and lingering detergent residue. When you add baking soda to your wash, it helps to raise the pH level of the water, creating an environment that makes it difficult for these odor-causing culprits to thrive. Furthermore, its porous structure allows it to physically absorb odors from the fibers of the towels. To effectively use baking soda for towel odor removal, add about a half cup to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. For particularly stubborn odors, you can pre-soak your towels in a solution of baking soda and water before washing. Be sure to use hot water (if appropriate for your towel fabric) to maximize its effectiveness. After washing, promptly dry your towels thoroughly, preferably in direct sunlight, as this will further help to eliminate any remaining odors and prevent the growth of mildew. Air drying indoors is also a viable option but requires good ventilation to prevent musty odors from developing.

How often should I wash my towels to keep them fresh?

You should wash your towels after every three uses at a maximum, but ideally after every one or two uses. This frequency helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors, ensuring your towels remain clean and hygienic.

Towels, especially those used in bathrooms, provide a warm, damp environment that’s perfect for microbial growth. Each time you use a towel, you transfer dead skin cells, body oils, and moisture onto the fabric. These act as food for bacteria and mold. Allowing these microorganisms to flourish can lead to musty smells and, in some cases, skin irritation or infections. Washing towels frequently removes these contaminants, keeping them fresh and safe to use. Pay special attention to how the towels are stored and dried between uses. Hanging them to air dry completely after each use is crucial. Avoid leaving damp towels crumpled on the floor or in a hamper, as this significantly increases the risk of bacteria and mold growth. Proper drying is just as important as frequent washing in keeping your towels fresh and odor-free. You might also consider using a drying rack or towel warmer to expedite the drying process, especially in humid climates.

Are there specific detergents that work best for smelly towels?

While there isn’t one single “best” detergent for smelly towels, enzyme-based detergents are generally recommended. These detergents contain enzymes like proteases and amylases that break down odor-causing bacteria and organic matter trapped in the towel fibers more effectively than standard detergents.

Enzyme-based detergents target the root cause of towel odor: the buildup of body oils, dead skin cells, and moisture deep within the fabric. Unlike detergents that simply mask the smell with fragrances, enzyme detergents digest these organic compounds, leaving your towels truly clean and fresh. Look for detergents specifically labeled as “enzyme-based” or those that mention stain-fighting or odor-eliminating properties, as these often contain enzymes. Avoid detergents that contain fabric softeners, as these can leave a residue that traps odors and reduces absorbency. In addition to choosing the right detergent, proper washing techniques are crucial for eliminating towel odor. Use hot water (check towel care label first) to kill bacteria. Consider adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle, as vinegar helps to break down residue and neutralize odors. You can also occasionally use baking soda to boost the cleaning power of your detergent. Ensure your towels are completely dry after washing, as dampness encourages bacterial growth.

Is it safe to use bleach to get the smell out of towels?

While bleach can effectively kill odor-causing bacteria and fungi in towels, it should be used sparingly and with caution. Overuse or improper dilution can weaken the towel fibers, causing them to wear out faster and potentially damage your washing machine. Furthermore, bleach can discolor towels, especially colored ones. Consider alternative, gentler methods first, reserving bleach for particularly stubborn odors.

Using bleach too frequently on towels degrades the cotton fibers, leading to a rough texture, reduced absorbency, and ultimately, a shorter lifespan for your towels. The strong chemicals in bleach can also react with residues from detergents or fabric softeners, creating new and potentially irritating compounds. Always ensure the bleach is properly diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions and that your washing machine is set to a cycle appropriate for bleach. Before resorting to bleach, try washing towels with hot water and a cup of white vinegar, followed by a second wash with baking soda instead of detergent. Ensuring towels are completely dry after each use and promptly laundering damp towels also prevents mildew and odor buildup. If you choose to use bleach, opt for color-safe bleach for colored towels to minimize discoloration.

What about using vinegar – does that actually work?

Yes, vinegar, specifically white distilled vinegar, can be a very effective and natural way to remove smells from towels. Its acidity helps to neutralize alkaline odors, kill bacteria and mildew, and dissolve soap residue build-up that contributes to musty smells.

Using vinegar is particularly beneficial because it’s a readily available, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative to harsh chemical detergents and fabric softeners. Regular use of fabric softeners actually coats the towel fibers, reducing their absorbency and trapping odors. Vinegar, on the other hand, cleanses the fibers and restores their fluffiness. It also works well in both standard and high-efficiency washing machines. To use vinegar effectively, add one cup of white distilled vinegar to your washing machine’s dispenser in place of fabric softener. Wash your towels as usual using hot water, which helps to further eliminate bacteria and break down residue. It’s best to avoid using detergent in the same wash cycle as the vinegar, as the two can react and reduce the effectiveness of both. If the odor is particularly strong, you can try soaking the towels in a solution of vinegar and water for 30 minutes to an hour before washing. After washing, ensure the towels are thoroughly dried, preferably in direct sunlight, which also has natural disinfecting properties.

And there you have it! Hopefully, these tips and tricks have helped you banish that musty towel smell for good. Thanks so much for reading, and we hope your towels are now fresh, fluffy, and ready to wrap you in comforting cleanliness. Feel free to stop by again for more helpful household hacks!