How To Get The Mildew Smell Out Of Towels Using Vinegar And Baking Soda

Mildew odor in towels is a common household issue that can make even freshly laundered linens unpleasant to use. The damp, warm environment of bathrooms and laundry rooms creates ideal conditions for mildew growth—a type of mold that thrives on moisture and organic material like cotton fibers. Over time, repeated washing without proper drying or detergent buildup can trap odors deep within towel fibers, rendering standard laundry cycles ineffective.

The good news is that you don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive products to eliminate this stubborn smell. Two pantry staples—white vinegar and baking soda—are powerful, eco-friendly solutions that work together to neutralize odors, break down residue, and restore your towels to their naturally fresh state. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to removing mildew smells using these ingredients, backed by science, practical experience, and expert insight.

Why Towels Develop Mildew Smell

Towels are especially prone to developing musty odors because they absorb large amounts of moisture during use. When not dried thoroughly—either hung up properly or left bunched in a hamper—the trapped humidity encourages microbial growth. Bacteria and mold spores feed on skin cells, oils, and soap scum embedded in the fabric, producing volatile organic compounds responsible for the sour, earthy smell associated with mildew.

Additionally, modern detergents often contain surfactants and fragrances that can build up over time, especially in high-efficiency (HE) washing machines that use less water. This residue reduces absorbency and traps moisture, further contributing to odor retention.

“Moisture retention in towels is the primary culprit behind persistent mildew smells. Even if they look clean, improperly dried textiles become breeding grounds for odor-causing microbes.” — Dr. Lena Peterson, Microbiologist & Textile Care Researcher

How Vinegar and Baking Soda Work Together

Vinegar and baking soda are a classic duo in natural cleaning due to their complementary chemical properties. Understanding how each works helps maximize their effectiveness when treating smelly towels.

• White vinegar (acetic acid): Has antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria and mold. It also dissolves mineral deposits and breaks down detergent residue, allowing fabrics to breathe and dry more efficiently.
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate): Acts as a gentle deodorizer by neutralizing acidic and basic odor molecules. It also softens water, improving detergent performance and helping lift grime from fibers.

While mixing vinegar and baking soda produces a fizzing reaction (carbon dioxide), which may seem dramatic, it's most effective in this context to use them in separate wash cycle stages—vinegar in the rinse, baking soda in the wash—to fully leverage their individual benefits without premature neutralization.

Tip: Always use distilled white vinegar—not apple cider or colored varieties—to avoid staining or lingering flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Eliminate Mildew Smell

This five-step process ensures deep cleaning, odor elimination, and long-term freshness. Follow these instructions carefully for best results.

1. Remove Towels from Damp Storage
   Retrieve towels from closed hampers, wet piles, or plastic bins where moisture has accumulated. Shake them out thoroughly before washing to release trapped air and begin drying surface moisture.
2. Pretreat Heavily Soiled or Smelly Towels (Optional)
   For towels with visible mildew spots or intense odors, soak them for 30–60 minutes in a solution of 1 cup white vinegar and cold water. This loosens biofilm and kills surface mold.
3. Wash with Baking Soda
   Load towels into the washing machine. Add ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Use warm water (not hot, to preserve fibers) and run a full cycle without detergent. Baking soda will lift odors and soften water, preparing fibers for deep rinsing.
4. Second Wash with Vinegar
   After the first cycle, run a second wash using 1 cup of white vinegar added to the fabric softener dispenser or directly into the rinse cycle. Do not use detergent again. The vinegar will sanitize, remove any remaining residue, and act as a natural softener.
5. Dry Completely and Fluff
   Tumble dry on medium heat with clean dryer balls or clean tennis balls to fluff fibers and ensure even drying. Alternatively, hang outdoors in direct sunlight, which naturally disinfects and deodorizes through UV exposure.

Timeline for Best Results

Step	Time Required	Notes
Pretreatment Soak	30–60 min	For strong odors only
First Wash (Baking Soda)	60–90 min	No detergent; warm water
Second Wash (Vinegar)	60–90 min	Add vinegar to rinse cycle
Drying	45–75 min	Avoid overdrying to prevent stiffness

Tip: Never mix vinegar with bleach—it creates toxic chlorine gas. If you've used bleach recently, wait at least two full cycles before introducing vinegar.

Common Mistakes That Reinforce Odors

Even with regular laundering, many people unknowingly perpetuate the problem. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Overloading the washer: Crowded loads prevent proper agitation and rinsing, leaving soap and moisture trapped.
• Using too much detergent: Excess suds don’t rinse away completely, creating a sticky film that holds odors.
• Leaving wet towels in the machine: Just 1–2 hours in a sealed drum can initiate bacterial growth.
• Drying towels indoors without airflow: Bathrooms lack sufficient ventilation; use fans or open windows if air-drying.
• Skipping routine deep cleans: Monthly maintenance prevents buildup before it becomes noticeable.

Do’s and Don’ts Table

Do	Don't
Wash towels in warm water	Use hot water frequently (can damage fibers)
Use ½ cup baking soda per load	Combine baking soda and vinegar in the same cycle
Dry towels immediately after washing	Leave damp towels crumpled overnight
Re-wash musty towels promptly	Mask odors with perfume-based sprays
Store dry towels in ventilated cabinets	Keep towels in sealed plastic containers

Real Example: Reviving a Musty Towel Set

Sarah, a homeowner in Seattle, noticed her guest bathroom towels had developed a persistent mildew smell despite weekly washing. Living in a rainy climate, she often air-dried towels indoors near a radiator, which created humid microclimates conducive to mold.

After trying scented detergents and fabric softeners—with no improvement—she followed the vinegar and baking soda method outlined here. She ran two consecutive washes: one with baking soda, another with vinegar, then dried the towels outside on a sunny day.

The result? The towels emerged soft, fluffy, and completely odor-free. “I couldn’t believe the difference,” Sarah said. “They felt like new. Now I do this once a month during the rainy season, and the smell never comes back.”

“The combination of mechanical action, pH adjustment, and microbial disruption makes vinegar and baking soda surprisingly effective against biofilm-related odors in textiles.” — Dr. Rajiv Mehta, Environmental Health Scientist

Checklist: How to Keep Towels Fresh Long-Term

Prevention is key. Use this checklist to maintain freshness between deep cleanings:

• ✅ Hang towels fully spread after each use to promote airflow
• ✅ Wash towels every 3–4 uses or sooner if damp for extended periods
• ✅ Use half the recommended amount of HE detergent
• ✅ Add ¼ cup vinegar monthly during the rinse cycle as maintenance
• ✅ Rotate towel sets to allow complete drying between washes
• ✅ Clean your washing machine monthly with a hot vinegar cycle
• ✅ Replace towels every 1–2 years if they remain stiff or smelly despite care

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use essential oils to make my towels smell better?

Yes, but cautiously. A few drops of tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus oil can be added to the vinegar rinse for fragrance and additional antimicrobial effects. However, oils can leave residues and reduce absorbency over time. Use sparingly—no more than 5 drops per load—and avoid direct contact with fabric to prevent staining.

Will vinegar damage my washing machine or towels?

No, when used correctly, vinegar is safe for both machines and cotton fabrics. It helps descale internal components and removes soap scum. However, frequent use of undiluted vinegar on rubber seals (especially in front-loaders) may degrade them over years. To minimize risk, always add vinegar to the dispenser, not directly onto parts, and wipe door seals dry after cycles.

Why do my towels still feel stiff after using vinegar and baking soda?

Stiffness usually results from incomplete rinsing or excessive drying. Try reducing detergent use and ensuring adequate rinse cycles. If stiffness persists, add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse phase regularly—it acts as a natural softener. Air-drying can also cause crispness; tumbling briefly after drying restores fluffiness.

Conclusion: Fresh Towels Start with Smart Habits

Eliminating mildew smell from towels doesn’t require specialty products or complicated routines. With white vinegar and baking soda—two affordable, non-toxic ingredients—you can deeply cleanse, deodorize, and revitalize your towels safely and effectively. The real secret lies not just in treatment, but in consistent habits: prompt drying, mindful washing, and periodic deep cleaning.

Once you experience truly fresh, soft, and absorbent towels, you’ll wonder why you ever tolerated musty linens. Implement this method today, stick to the prevention tips, and enjoy a cleaner, more pleasant bathing experience night after night.

💬 Have success with natural towel care? Share your story or tip in the comments below—your experience could help others ditch the mildew for good!