Effective methods to eliminate mildew smell from towels

4 minutes read

There’s nothing worse than grabbing a towel after a shower and being hit with that unpleasant, musty mildew odor. Even after a regular wash, mildew smells can linger in towels, making them feel less than fresh. Thankfully, there are tried-and-true methods you can use at home to get rid of mildew smell from towels and keep them smelling clean and inviting. Below, you’ll find step-by-step solutions and tips to restore freshness to your bath linens.

Why Do Towels Get a Mildew Smell?

Mildew smells develop when towels don’t dry thoroughly or stay damp for extended periods. The warm, moist environment is perfect for bacteria and mold to grow, which causes that musty odor. Common culprits include leaving towels in the washing machine too long, storing them in a humid bathroom, or not allowing them to dry completely between uses.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Mildew Smell from Towels

1. Wash Towels with Vinegar
   • Place your smelly towels in the washing machine. Do not add any detergent at this stage.
   • Pour one cup of white vinegar directly into the drum.
   • Run the towels through the hottest water cycle available.
   • Vinegar neutralizes odors and helps break down mildew buildup.
2. Rewash with Baking Soda
   • After the vinegar wash, keep the towels in the machine.
   • Add half a cup of baking soda (do not add detergent).
   • Run another hot water cycle.
   • Baking soda deodorizes and further cleans the fibers.
3. Dry Towels Thoroughly
   • Once washed, shake towels out and dry them immediately.
   • Use the highest heat setting on your dryer, or hang towels in direct sunlight if possible.
   • Sunlight naturally kills bacteria and mold, which helps banish odors.

Additional Tips to Prevent Mildew Smell

• Avoid fabric softeners: They leave residue that can trap odors and reduce towel absorbency.
• Hang towels spread out: After each use, hang towels open and flat to allow air circulation and faster drying.
• Wash towels regularly: Don’t let dirty towels pile up. Wash them every 3–4 uses to prevent odor buildup.
• Clean your washing machine: Run an empty hot cycle with vinegar once a month to keep your machine fresh.
• Store in a dry place: Keep towels in a cool, dry spot, not in a humid bathroom.

What If the Smell Persists?

If you’ve followed the above steps and your towels still have a lingering mildew odor, try these extra measures:

• Repeat the vinegar and baking soda washes. Sometimes it takes more than one round to fully remove deep-set odors.
• Use a specialized odor-removing laundry booster. Products designed for sportswear or odor removal can help.
• Check your washing machine. If the drum or detergent drawer is moldy, that could be transferring odors to your towels.

When to Replace Your Towels

With regular care, towels should last several years. But if mildew smells persist even after multiple treatments, or if towels are frayed and thin, it might be time to invest in new ones. High-quality cotton towels resist odors better and last longer when cared for properly.

Summary

Eliminating mildew smell from towels is simple with the right approach: a hot wash with vinegar, followed by a wash with baking soda, and thorough drying. By keeping towels clean, dry, and stored properly, you can enjoy fresh, soft towels every time you step out of the shower.

References

• American Cleaning Institute. “How to Wash Towels.” https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/laundry/how-wash-towels
• Martha Stewart. “How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Towels.” https://www.marthastewart.com/1542072/how-get-mildew-smell-out-towels
• Good Housekeeping. “How to Get the Smell Out of Towels.” https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a17705/smelly-towels/
• Consumer Reports. “How to Get Musty Smell Out of Towels.” https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/laundry/how-to-get-musty-smell-out-of-towels-a1160721198/
• The Spruce. “How to Remove Musty Odors From Towels.” https://www.thespruce.com/remove-musty-odors-from-towels-2146172