Expert consulted: 
Freshly washed towels shouldn't smell musty, but if yours do, you're probably not imagining it. Even after a trip through the washing machine, towels can hold on to odour-causing residue that leaves them smelling less than fresh.
Over time, detergent, fabric softener, body oils, and hard water minerals can build up in towel fibres and contribute to lingering odours. Luckily, a few small laundry tweaks can usually solve the problem and keep the smell from coming back.
How to remove odours from towels
- Wash towels in the hottest water that's safe for the fabric. Start by checking the care label, then wash your towels in the hottest water temperature recommended for the fabric. Hot water can help break down body oils and residue that may contribute to lingering odours.
- Use the right amount of detergent. When it comes to laundry detergent, more isn't always better. Using too little may not fully remove dirt, body oils, and residue, while using too much can leave behind buildup that gets trapped in towel fibres. Measure your detergent carefully and follow the manufacturer's dosing recommendations based on your load size and how soiled your towels are.
- Use bleach when appropriate. For white, bleach-safe towels, chlorine bleach can help remove stains and odours while whitening fabrics. For coloured towels, use an oxygen bleach instead to help lift stains and odours without affecting the dye.
- Dry thoroughly. Even clean towels can develop a musty smell if they're folded and put away before they're completely dry. Don't let wet laundry sit in the washing machine for long after the cycle ends, and make sure towels are fully dry before storing them.
How to keep towels smelling fresh
- Keep your washing machine clean. Even though your washing machine cleans your laundry, it can still accumulate detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, and mildew over time. Regularly clean the door gasket, detergent drawer, and drum according to the manufacturer's recommendations to help keep odours from finding their way back onto freshly washed towels.
- Wash bath towels every three to four uses. You don't have to wash your bath towels after every use, but they should be washed every three to four uses. Waiting too long between washes allows moisture, body oils, and sweat to remain on the towel longer, which can contribute to lingering odours.
- Hang towels so they dry completely. Between washes, don't toss damp towels on the floor or leave them bunched up on a hook. Instead, hang them spread out on a towel bar or rack, so air can circulate and the fabric can dry completely between uses.
- Don't overload the washing machine. Giving towels enough room to move helps ensure they're thoroughly cleaned and rinsed. Packing too many towels into a single load prevents water and detergent from circulating freely.
- Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets. Though they may leave towels feeling softer, fabric softeners and dryer sheets leave behind a coating that can reduce absorbency and contribute to buildup over time.
Noah works as a product reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab where he helps design and perform tests on various product categories. He draws on scientific expertise garnered during his time as an environmental researcher, where he managed environmental monitoring equipment, analyzed water samples in a lab and developed protocols for restoration projects. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
