How to Get Rid of Musty Smells from Bath Towels

The Secret to Fresh, Fluffy Towels

Have you ever stepped out of a relaxing shower, wrapped yourself in a "fresh" towel, only to be greeted by a sour, musty smell? This common problem is rarely caused by actual dirt. Instead, it is usually a buildup of laundry detergent, fabric softener, and body oils that trap moisture and mildew inside the towel fibers.

Standard washing often makes this worse because fabric softeners coat the fibers, locking the odor in. To completely strip this buildup and restore your towels to their original freshness, you only need two inexpensive household ingredients: white vinegar and baking soda. Here is how to do it in two simple cycles.

What You Will Need

• 1 cup of plain white vinegar
• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• Hot water (the hottest setting on your washing machine)

Step 1: The Vinegar Wash

Load your smelly towels into the washing machine. Do not add any laundry detergent or fabric softener. Set your machine to the hottest water setting and a regular wash cycle. Add 1 cup of white vinegar directly to the drum or the detergent dispenser. Run the complete cycle. The acetic acid in the vinegar breaks down the mineral deposits, detergent buildup, and body oils clinging to the fibers.

Step 2: The Baking Soda Wash

Once the first cycle finishes, leave the wet towels in the machine. Do not dry them yet. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda directly onto the damp towels. Run the machine a second time on the hottest setting, again without any detergent. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that neutralizes alkaline odors and helps lift any remaining residue loosened by the vinegar.

Step 3: Dry Them Completely

Immediately transfer the towels to the dryer. Dry them on high heat until they are 100% dry. Any remaining dampness will invite mildew right back. If you prefer line drying, hang them in direct sunlight, as UV rays act as a natural sanitizer.

How to Prevent Musty Smells in the Future

• Ditch the fabric softener: Softeners leave a waxy coating on towel fibers that reduces absorbency and traps odors.
• Use less detergent: Excess detergent does not rinse out fully, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Use about half the recommended amount for towel loads.
• Hang towels immediately: Never leave damp towels bunched up on the floor or in a laundry basket. Hang them flat to dry after every use.
• Leave the washer lid open: Front-loading washing machines are notorious for trapping moisture. Leave the door ajar after use to let the drum dry out.