How to Remove Musty Smell from Towels
Knowing how to remove musty smell from towels starts with understanding why the odor appears in the first place.
The fix is usually a mix of better washing, hotter water when safe, and faster drying—and a few small mistakes can keep the smell coming back.
Towels often trap body oils, detergent residue, and moisture deep in the fibers, which creates the perfect environment for mildew and odor-causing bacteria.
With the right cleaning routine, most musty towels can be restored without replacing them.
Why Towels Develop a Musty Smell
A musty towel smell usually comes from moisture left in the fabric too long.
Bathrooms are humid, towels are thick, and if they stay damp after use or after washing, mildew can begin to grow.
Common causes include:
- Leaving wet towels in a pile or hamper
- Using too much detergent, which leaves residue behind
- Using too little water during the wash cycle
- Overloading the washing machine
- Drying towels incompletely before storing them
- Washing in cold water only when buildup is heavy
Even towels that look clean may hold odor-causing residue in the loops of the fabric.
That is why a normal wash cycle sometimes fails to eliminate the smell.
Best Ways to Remove Musty Smell from Towels
If you want a reliable method for how to remove musty smell from towels, start with a deep-clean wash.
In many cases, one of the methods below will break down the residue and clear the odor.
1. Wash towels with hot water when the care label allows it
Hot water helps loosen oils, body soil, and detergent buildup.
For cotton towels that can handle it, wash them on the hottest water setting recommended by the manufacturer.
Use a regular amount of detergent, not extra.
Too much detergent can cling to fibers and trap odor over time.
2. Add white vinegar to the wash cycle
White vinegar is a common deodorizing rinse aid for towels with a stale smell.
It can help dissolve soap residue and reduce lingering odors.
For a vinegar wash:
- Wash towels without detergent in hot water
- Add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to the drum or fabric-softener dispenser
- Run a full cycle
After that, wash the towels again with detergent to clean away any loosened buildup.
Vinegar should not replace normal laundering for dirty towels.
3. Use baking soda for odor control
Baking soda can help neutralize smells and freshen towels that still feel stale after a standard wash.
It works well as a follow-up step after a vinegar wash or as a separate cleaning method.
For a baking soda wash:
- Add 1/2 cup of baking soda directly to the drum
- Wash towels in hot water
- Use detergent sparingly
Avoid mixing vinegar and baking soda in the same wash if your goal is maximum cleaning power.
Used separately, they can be more effective for different cleaning steps.
4. Rewash with less detergent
If towels smell musty even after washing, the problem may be buildup from too much soap.
High-efficiency machines especially need less detergent than many people think.
Try rewashing the towels with a smaller detergent dose and an extra rinse.
This can remove residue that was trapping odor in the fibers.
5. Soak heavily scented towels before washing
For towels with a strong mildew odor, a short soak can help.
Soak them in hot water with one of the following:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- An oxygen-based laundry booster, if the towel care label allows it
After soaking, wash the towels immediately.
Do not let them sit wet for long periods after soaking, or the smell may return.
How to Dry Towels So They Do Not Smell Musty Again
Drying is just as important as washing when learning how to remove musty smell from towels.
A clean towel can smell stale again if it stays damp for too long.
Dry towels completely after each use
Hang towels spread out on a bar or hook so air can circulate around them.
Bunched-up towels dry slowly and hold moisture in the folds.
Use the dryer properly
If you machine-dry towels, make sure they are fully dry before folding.
Remove them promptly when the cycle ends and avoid leaving them in the drum.
Dryer tips that help:
- Do not overload the dryer
- Use a medium-to-high heat setting if the fabric permits
- Shake towels out before drying to open the fibers
- Clean the lint filter every cycle
Do not store towels until they are completely dry?
Even a slightly damp towel can develop mildew odor inside a closed closet or cabinet.
Make sure towels feel dry all the way through, including thick hems and corners, before putting them away.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Musty Towels
Some common laundry habits make towel odor worse instead of better.
Avoiding these mistakes can save time and improve results.
- Using fabric softener on towels, which can coat fibers and reduce absorbency
- Overloading the washer, which limits agitation and rinsing
- Leaving wet towels in the machine overnight
- Using cold water only for heavily soiled or odor-prone towels
- Ignoring buildup in the washer itself
If your washing machine has a musty smell, it can transfer odor back onto clean towels.
Run a machine-cleaning cycle if the manufacturer recommends it, and keep the door or lid open between washes to help the drum dry out.
How to Prevent Musty Smell in Towels Long-Term
Preventing odor is easier than removing it repeatedly.
A few routine changes can keep towels fresh longer and reduce the need for deep-clean treatments.
- Wash bath towels every 3 to 4 uses, or sooner if they stay damp
- Use the correct amount of detergent for your machine and load size
- Rotate towels so each one has time to dry fully between uses
- Hang towels in a well-ventilated area, not tightly bunched in the bathroom
- Run an occasional rinse or cleaning cycle on the washer
- Dry towels completely before storing them in linen closets
For households in humid climates, ventilation matters even more.
A fan, open window, or dehumidifier can help towels dry faster and limit mildew growth.
When Musty Towels Need Replacement
Most towels can be refreshed, but some are too far gone.
If a towel still smells musty after repeated deep cleaning, the fibers may be holding on to stubborn buildup or mold.
Consider replacing towels if they have:
- Persistent odor after multiple wash treatments
- Visible mildew stains
- Thin, worn, or rough fabric that no longer rinses clean
- A texture that feels coated or stiff even after washing
High-quality cotton towels usually respond well to proper care, while older towels with damaged fibers may not recover fully.
Quick Checklist for Fresh-Smelling Towels
- Wash with hot water when safe
- Use less detergent, not more
- Try white vinegar or baking soda in separate washes
- Dry towels completely after every wash and use
- Keep towels spread out so air can circulate
- Clean the washing machine regularly
With the right wash cycle, drying habits, and storage routine, you can remove musty odor and keep towels smelling clean far longer.