Getting Mold Smell Out Of Towels That Have Been Damp Too Long

There’s nothing quite as unpleasant as reaching for a towel only to be met with a musty, earthy odor—a telltale sign of mildew or mold growth. This often happens when towels are left damp in a closed hamper, balled up on the bathroom floor, or stored before fully drying. While the smell may seem stubborn, it's not permanent. With the right approach, even the most pungent-smelling towels can be revived. The key lies in understanding how mold develops, choosing the correct cleaning agents, and preventing recurrence through proper care.

Mold and mildew thrive in warm, moist environments. Bathrooms, especially those without adequate ventilation, create ideal conditions for microbial growth. When cotton towels stay wet for more than 24–48 hours, spores begin to colonize the fibers, breaking down organic residues like body oils, sweat, and soap scum. The result? A lingering stench that washing alone might not resolve if standard detergents are used improperly or insufficiently.

Why Regular Washing Isn't Always Enough

Many people assume tossing smelly towels into the washing machine will solve the problem. However, conventional laundry cycles using cold water and basic detergent often fail because they don’t address the root cause: embedded microbial colonies within the fabric. Cold water doesn’t kill mold spores effectively, and regular detergents may lack the chemical strength needed to break down biofilm—the slimy matrix that protects mold colonies.

Additionally, overuse of fabric softeners and dryer sheets can coat cotton fibers with waxy residues, reducing absorbency and trapping moisture. This creates a breeding ground for future odors, making the cycle repeat itself after each wash.

Tip: Skip fabric softener entirely when treating moldy towels—it can seal in odors and reduce cleaning effectiveness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Eliminate Mold Smell

Follow this comprehensive process to deeply clean and deodorize towels affected by prolonged dampness. Each step targets different aspects of contamination: physical removal, chemical breakdown, microbial elimination, and fiber restoration.

1. Pre-soak in hot water and vinegar
   Fill your bathtub or large basin with hot water (as hot as safe for cotton—ideally above 130°F/54°C). Add one cup of white distilled vinegar per gallon of water. Submerge the towels completely and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to two hours. Vinegar lowers pH, dissolving alkaline residues and loosening microbial buildup.
2. Wash with baking soda and detergent
   Transfer soaked towels to the washing machine. Use the hottest water setting recommended for cotton (usually “hot” or “sanitize”). Add one cup of baking soda along with your regular high-efficiency detergent. Baking soda acts as both a deodorizer and a gentle abrasive to lift odor-causing particles from fibers.
4. Add oxygen bleach for deep sanitization
   Include half a cup to one cup of oxygen-based bleach (such as OxiClean) in the drum before starting the cycle. Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is safe for colored towels and breaks down mold proteins without damaging fabric integrity. Avoid chlorine unless dealing with pure white cotton and no risk of dye degradation.
5. Double rinse and inspect
   If your machine allows, select an extra rinse cycle to ensure all cleaning agents and loosened debris are flushed out. After washing, sniff the towels while still wet. If any faint odor remains, do not dry them—repeat the treatment.
6. Dry thoroughly with heat
   Tumble dry on medium to high heat until completely dry. Heat helps kill residual spores. Do not air-dry indoors at this stage, as lingering humidity could reintroduce moisture and restart microbial activity.

Alternative Methods for Sensitive Fabrics or No-Machine Options

Not all situations allow for machine washing. For delicate weaves, vintage linens, or households without access to a washer, consider these alternatives:

• Sun-drying method: After hand-washing with vinegar and soap, hang towels outside in direct sunlight. UV radiation naturally kills mold spores, and fresh airflow carries away volatile organic compounds responsible for odor.
• Hydrogen peroxide soak: Mix 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 9 parts water. Soak towels for 1–2 hours before rinsing thoroughly. Effective for light discoloration and odor control but test first for colorfastness.
• Borax solution: Dissolve half a cup of borax in a gallon of warm water. Soak for several hours, then rinse well. Borax alters pH and inhibits fungal growth but should be handled carefully around pets and children.

“Mold thrives in microclimates created by trapped moisture. Simply washing isn’t enough—you need to disrupt the environment it lives in.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Environmental Microbiologist

Do’s and Don’ts: What to Avoid When Treating Smelly Towels

Action	Recommended?	Reason
Use chlorine bleach frequently	No	Weakens cotton fibers over time and can react with vinegar to produce toxic fumes
Wash in cold water only	No	Ineffective at killing mold; fails to dissolve oily residues
Leave towels crumpled post-use	No	Traps moisture between layers, accelerating bacterial growth
Air-dry outdoors in sun	Yes	UV light disinfects and evaporates moisture quickly
Use essential oils to mask odor	No	Doesn’t eliminate mold—only masks symptoms; oils can leave residue
Wash towels separately from other laundry	Yes	Prevents cross-contamination of spores to clean fabrics

Prevention: How to Keep Towels Fresh Long-Term

Once you’ve restored your towels, maintaining their freshness requires consistent habits. Prevention is far easier—and cheaper—than repeated remediation.

Hanging towels properly after use is critical. Spread them fully on a bar or hook so air circulates across all surfaces. In humid climates, consider installing a heated towel rail or running an exhaust fan during and after showers. These small investments drastically reduce ambient moisture.

Wash towels every three to five uses under normal conditions. More frequent laundering is necessary if someone is ill, sweating heavily, or using skincare products that transfer to fabric. Always wash in hot water with oxygen bleach once a month as a maintenance deep-clean.

Tip: Rotate multiple sets of towels to allow full drying between uses—never reuse a damp towel.

Mini Case Study: Reviving a Family’s Towel Collection

The Ramirez family of four noticed persistent mustiness in their bath linens despite weekly washing. Their shared bathroom had poor ventilation, and towels were routinely draped over shower rods, staying damp overnight. After three months, even freshly laundered towels developed a sour smell within hours of use.

They implemented a multi-step recovery plan: first, discarding two severely damaged towels beyond repair. The remaining six were treated using the vinegar pre-soak, baking soda, and oxygen bleach method described above. They also installed a $25 bathroom exhaust fan timer to run for 30 minutes post-shower.

Within two weeks, the household reported complete elimination of odor. By rotating three sets of towels and ensuring full daily drying, they’ve maintained freshness for over eight months—with no recurrence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save towels that have visible mold spots?

Small specks of black or green may indicate active mold growth. Attempt cleaning using hot water, vinegar, and oxygen bleach. If spots remain after washing, the fibers are likely compromised—discard to prevent spore spread. Never attempt to scrub visible mold dry, as this releases airborne spores.

Is it safe to use bleach on towels?

Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) is safe for most cotton towels and highly effective against mold. Chlorine bleach should be used sparingly and only on white cotton, as it weakens fibers and produces harmful gases when mixed with vinegar or ammonia-based cleaners.

How long does it take for damp towels to start smelling?

Under typical bathroom conditions (70–80% humidity), towels can begin developing odor-causing bacteria within 8–12 hours. After 24–48 hours of continuous dampness, mold colonization becomes likely. Immediate airing or drying is crucial.

Checklist: Recovering and Protecting Your Towels

• ☐ Inspect towels for visible mold or permanent staining
• ☐ Pre-soak in hot water + 1 cup vinegar per gallon
• ☐ Wash with baking soda, detergent, and oxygen bleach
• ☐ Run an extra rinse cycle to remove residue
• ☐ Dry completely using heat or direct sunlight
• ☐ Evaluate storage: ensure towels hang freely and dry fully
• ☐ Install ventilation improvements if needed (fan, dehumidifier)
• ☐ Establish monthly deep-cleaning routine
• ☐ Replace old, non-absorbent, or chronically smelly towels
• ☐ Educate household members on proper towel use and drying

Conclusion: Take Control Before Odors Return

Dealing with mold-smelling towels isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about health, comfort, and resourcefulness. Ignoring the issue leads to wasted textiles, increased laundry loads, and potential respiratory irritation from airborne spores. But with informed action, even the worst-affected towels can be restored, and future problems avoided.

The methods outlined here combine microbiology, chemistry, and practical home care to deliver lasting results. It’s not magic—just smart, consistent habits backed by science. Start today: pull those damp towels from the basket, prepare your soak, and reclaim their softness and freshness. Your nose—and your next shower—will thank you.

💬 Have a towel triumph story? Share your experience overcoming musty linens—your tip might help another household break the cycle for good.