How To Get Mildew Smell Out Of Towels That Have Been Washed

Mildew odor in towels is a surprisingly common household issue — especially when damp linens are left bunched up in the hamper or tucked into a humid linen closet. Even after washing, towels can retain a musty, sour smell that makes them unpleasant to use. This lingering odor isn’t just annoying; it’s a sign of microbial growth caused by moisture, detergent buildup, or poor drying conditions. The good news is that mildew smell can be eliminated permanently with the right approach. This guide walks through proven cleaning techniques, preventative habits, and expert-backed solutions to restore freshness to your towels — even if they’ve already been through the wash.

Why Towels Retain Mildew Smell After Washing

The root cause of persistent mildew odor lies not in dirt, but in biology and laundry habits. Mildew is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. When towels remain damp for too long — whether folded in a laundry basket, stored while still slightly wet, or washed with insufficient rinsing — spores begin to grow in the fabric fibers. These microbes produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for the characteristic musty smell.

Standard washing cycles often fail to fully remove these odors because:

• Detergent residue builds up over time, trapping moisture and creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Front-loading machines, while efficient, can develop mold in rubber gaskets and dispensers, indirectly contaminating loads.
• Overloading the washer prevents proper agitation and rinsing, leaving soap and moisture trapped.
• Using too much softener coats fibers, reducing absorbency and promoting bacterial retention.

Understanding this cycle is essential: washing alone isn’t enough. You need deep cleaning, thorough drying, and fiber restoration to break the pattern of odor recurrence.

Tip: Never store towels immediately after use — hang them fully to dry first. A single damp towel in a pile can spoil an entire stack.

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

If your towels come out of the wash smelling stale or musty, follow this comprehensive process to eliminate odor at the source. This method works on cotton, microfiber, and most machine-washable fabrics.

1. Remove Towels from Storage
   Take all affected towels out of closets, hampers, or drawers. Isolate any that smell strongly to prevent cross-contamination.
2. Inspect for Visible Mold
   Check for dark spots or discoloration. If visible mold is present, gloves and a mask are recommended during handling. Discard heavily stained towels if cleaning fails.
3. Run a Vinegar Rinse Cycle (Empty Machine)
   Before washing towels, clean your washing machine. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the drum and run a hot water cycle with no laundry. This removes biofilm and mold from internal parts.
4. Wash with Hot Water and Baking Soda
   Load towels into the machine without overfilling. Use ½ cup of baking soda instead of detergent. Set the washer to the hottest water setting suitable for the fabric (usually 60°C/140°F for cotton).
5. Add Vinegar in the Rinse Cycle
   During the rinse, add 1 cup of white vinegar. This helps dissolve detergent residue, neutralize odors, and soften fibers naturally.
6. Second Wash with Hydrogen Peroxide (Optional for Whites)
   If towels are white or colorfast, run a second cycle using 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide instead of vinegar. Do not mix peroxide with bleach.
7. Dry Completely on High Heat
   Tumble dry on high heat until towels are bone dry. Check pockets and folds — thick towels may need extra time. Avoid folding while warm; let them cool completely first.
8. Air Dry in Sunlight (If Possible)
   After machine drying, hang towels outside in direct sunlight for a few hours. UV rays naturally kill remaining microbes and freshen fibers.

This multi-step treatment disrupts microbial colonies, clears chemical buildup, and restores absorbency — addressing both symptoms and causes of odor.

Alternative Cleaning Methods for Sensitive Fabrics

Not all towels tolerate hot water or strong additives. Delicate weaves, bamboo blends, or gym towels with antimicrobial coatings require gentler care. Below are safer alternatives for sensitive materials:

• Cold Water + Oxygen Bleach: Use sodium percarbonate (oxygen-based bleach) in cold water. It breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and soda ash, effectively deodorizing without damaging fibers.
• Enzyme-Based Cleaners: Products like Oxyclean or Biokleen Bac-Out contain enzymes that digest organic matter causing odor. Ideal for athletic towels with sweat buildup.
• Essential Oil Rinse (Aromatherapy Masking): While not a disinfectant, adding 10 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil to the rinse cycle provides natural antifungal properties and a clean scent.

Always test any new product on a small area first. Avoid chlorine bleach on colored or synthetic towels — it can degrade fibers and intensify odor over time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Towel Care: Prevention Table

Do’s	Don’ts
Hang towels to dry fully after each use	Leave damp towels crumpled in a basket
Wash towels every 3–4 uses	Wait weeks between washes
Use half the recommended detergent	Overuse detergent or fabric softener
Clean washing machine monthly	Ignore mold around the door seal
Rotate towel sets to reduce wear	Wash smelly towels with other laundry

Consistent adherence to best practices reduces the risk of odor recurrence by over 90%, according to textile maintenance experts.

“Mildew isn’t just about cleanliness — it’s about moisture management. The key is breaking the dampness cycle before microbes take hold.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Microbial Textile Scientist, University of Massachusetts

Real Example: How One Household Fixed Chronic Towel Odor

The Thompson family of four had struggled with foul-smelling bath towels for over a year. Despite weekly washes with premium detergent, the towels emerged from the dryer with a sour, basement-like odor. They tried doubling detergent, adding dryer sheets, and switching brands — nothing worked.

After consulting a home hygiene specialist, they discovered two root causes: their front-loader hadn’t been cleaned in over a year, and they were using three times the recommended amount of detergent. The combination created a sludge-like residue inside the drum and within towel fibers.

They followed the vinegar-baking soda treatment outlined above, ran a cleaning cycle on the machine, reduced detergent usage, and began hanging towels on heated rails post-shower. Within one week, the odor disappeared. Six months later, no recurrence has been reported.

This case illustrates how modern laundry habits — designed for convenience — can inadvertently promote microbial growth. Small changes yield dramatic results.

Prevention Checklist: Keep Towels Fresh Long-Term

To avoid future mildew issues, implement this routine:

• ✅ Hang towels fully after each use to ensure complete drying
• ✅ Limit towel reuse to 3–4 showers before washing
• ✅ Wash in hot water with minimal detergent (½ cap max)
• ✅ Skip fabric softener; use wool dryer balls instead
• ✅ Run a monthly maintenance cycle on your washing machine
• ✅ Store clean towels in ventilated cabinets, not sealed spaces
• ✅ Replace towels every 1–2 years; older ones harbor more bacteria

Additionally, consider switching to quick-dry microfiber or Turkish cotton towels, which resist moisture retention better than standard terry cloth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bleach to remove mildew smell from towels?

Yes, but only on white cotton towels. Chlorine bleach kills mildew and sanitizes fabric. However, frequent use weakens fibers and may cause yellowing. For colored towels, use oxygen bleach instead. Always dilute properly and never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia.

Why do my towels smell bad even after using fabric softener?

Fabric softeners coat fibers with oils and waxes that trap moisture and bacteria. Over time, this film becomes rancid, producing a sour odor. Eliminate softener entirely and switch to vinegar in the rinse cycle for softer, fresher towels.

Is it safe to use vinegar and baking soda together in one wash?

No. While both are effective cleaners, combining them in the same cycle causes a chemical reaction (acid + base) that produces carbon dioxide and neutralizes their cleaning power. Use baking soda in the wash phase and vinegar in the rinse — separately.

Final Thoughts: Fresh Towels Start with Smart Habits

Eliminating mildew smell from washed towels isn’t about finding a magic product — it’s about understanding the science of moisture, microbes, and fabric care. With consistent attention to washing technique, machine hygiene, and drying practices, you can transform even the stinkiest towel into a soft, fresh, and hygienic essential.

The effort required is minimal: a little vinegar, proper drying, and mindful laundry habits. Once established, these routines prevent odor before it starts. No more wrinkling your nose at your own linens. No more guests hesitating to use the guest bathroom towel.

💬 Have a towel tip that worked for you? Share your experience in the comments and help others banish mildew for good.