How To Get The Musty Smell Out Of Towels That Have Been Sitting Too Long

Mold, mildew, and lingering moisture are the usual suspects behind a musty odor in towels left unused for weeks or months. These smells aren’t just unpleasant—they can indicate microbial growth that compromises fabric integrity and hygiene. Whether stored in a damp linen closet, packed away after travel, or forgotten at the bottom of a laundry basket, towels exposed to humidity or residual moisture often develop that stale, earthy scent. The good news: with the right approach, even deeply embedded odors can be eliminated. This guide provides science-backed techniques, practical routines, and preventative strategies to restore freshness and extend the life of your towels.

Why Towels Develop Musty Smells Over Time

Cotton towels are highly absorbent by design, making them excellent at wicking moisture—but also prone to retaining it. When towels are folded, rolled, or stored before fully dry, trapped moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew spores to grow. These microorganisms break down organic fibers and release volatile compounds responsible for the characteristic musty odor. Even in low-humidity environments, poor air circulation in closets or plastic bins can promote condensation, accelerating bacterial development.

The issue isn't always visible. A towel may look clean but still carry odor-causing microbes deep within its loops and weaves. Synthetic blends like microfiber can be especially susceptible due to their hydrophobic nature, which traps moisture between fibers without showing surface dampness.

“Moisture retention is the primary culprit behind towel odor. Even slight dampness, when combined with warmth and poor ventilation, allows bacteria to thrive within hours.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Microbiologist & Textile Hygiene Researcher

Step-by-Step Guide to Eliminate Musty Odors from Stored Towels

Reviving musty towels requires more than a standard wash cycle. Surface-level cleaning won’t reach deep-seated microbes or neutralize odor compounds. Follow this comprehensive process to fully decontaminate and refresh your towels.

1. Air Them Out First: Unfold each towel and hang it outside or in a well-ventilated area for several hours. Sunlight has natural disinfecting properties thanks to UV radiation, which helps kill mold spores and reduce odor intensity.
2. Pre-Soak in a Deodorizing Solution: Fill a bathtub or large basin with warm water and add one cup of white vinegar or half a cup of baking soda. Submerge towels completely and let them soak for 30 minutes to two hours. Vinegar breaks down organic residue and neutralizes odors; baking soda absorbs and lifts smells.
3. Wash with Hot Water: Use the hottest water setting safe for the fabric (check care labels). Add regular detergent plus one-half cup of oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach unless specified as safe). Oxygen bleach lifts stains and kills odor-causing bacteria without damaging cotton fibers.
4. Double Rinse Cycle: Run an extra rinse to ensure all detergent and loosened debris are flushed out. Residual soap can trap odors and encourage future buildup.
5. Dry Thoroughly: Tumble dry on medium heat with wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls to fluff fibers and improve airflow. Alternatively, line-dry in direct sunlight, which enhances freshness through UV exposure and complete drying.

Tip: Never store towels immediately after washing if they’re even slightly damp. Allow them to cool completely in the dryer before folding.

Alternative Cleaning Methods for Stubborn Odors

If the standard wash fails to eliminate the smell, deeper intervention is needed. Try these alternative treatments based on severity and fabric type.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Combo Wash

Run a full cycle using hot water, one cup of white vinegar in the drum (not the dispenser), and no detergent. After the cycle completes, run a second wash with detergent and half a cup of baking soda. This dual-action method dissolves biofilm and resets fiber pH.

Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment

For white or colorfast towels, add one cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide during the wash cycle. It acts as a gentle disinfectant and brightener, breaking down odor molecules without harsh chemicals.

Enzyme-Based Cleaners

Products containing protease or lipase enzymes target organic matter like sweat, skin cells, and oils—common food sources for odor-causing bacteria. Soak towels in an enzyme solution overnight before laundering normally.

Ammonia Solution (Use with Caution)

As a last resort for non-colored cotton towels, mix 1/4 cup household ammonia with one gallon of cold water. Soak for 30 minutes, then wash immediately with hot water and detergent. Never mix ammonia with bleach—this produces toxic fumes.

Do’s and Don’ts of Towel Care and Storage

Do’s	Don’ts
Wash towels after three uses or weekly, whichever comes first	Leave wet towels bunched up in hampers or bathrooms
Use vinegar occasionally to strip mineral and soap buildup	Overuse fabric softener—it coats fibers and reduces absorbency
Store in breathable cotton bags or open shelves	Keep towels sealed in plastic bins or vacuum bags long-term
Rotate towel sets to prevent prolonged storage	Fold immediately after drying while still warm—traps residual moisture
Inspect for mildew before storing after guest use	Ignore musty smells—address them immediately to prevent spread

Real Example: Reviving a Forgotten Beach Towel Collection

Sarah, a frequent traveler, returned from a six-month trip to find her beach towels stacked in a cedar-lined closet had developed a sharp, moldy smell. Despite being in a “dry” space, seasonal humidity had seeped in, and the tightly packed stack prevented airflow. She tried a single wash with detergent—no improvement. Following the pre-soak method with vinegar and oxygen bleach, she soaked the towels overnight, then washed them twice: once with vinegar, once with baking soda and detergent. After line-drying in direct sun for two days, the towels were fresh and fluffy again. She now stores off-season towels rolled with cedar blocks and checks them quarterly.

Checklist: Preventing Musty Towels Before They Start

• ✅ Always dry towels completely before folding or storing
• ✅ Avoid overloading the washer or dryer—towels need room to agitate and circulate
• ✅ Wash towels separately from clothes to prevent oil and lint transfer
• ✅ Use measured detergent—excess soap leaves residue that traps odors
• ✅ Deep-clean towels every 4–6 weeks with vinegar or a dedicated towel booster
• ✅ Store in ventilated areas, not sealed containers or humid basements
• ✅ Rotate towel usage to avoid leaving any set idle for more than a month

Tip: Add a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree or eucalyptus) to your vinegar soak for a naturally antimicrobial boost and light fragrance.

FAQ: Common Questions About Musty Towel Remedies

Can I use bleach to remove musty smells?

Yes, but only on white cotton towels and sparingly. Chlorine bleach kills microbes but degrades fibers over time. For colored or mixed-fiber towels, use oxygen bleach instead—it’s gentler and color-safe.

Why do my towels still smell after washing?

This usually means bacteria and biofilm remain in the fibers or your machine is harboring mold. Clean your washing machine monthly with a hot vinegar cycle. Also, avoid using too much detergent, which can build up and trap odors.

Is it safe to use musty towels after washing?

If properly treated with hot water, disinfectants (like vinegar or oxygen bleach), and fully dried, yes. However, persistent odors suggest incomplete cleaning—re-wash using stronger methods before use, especially for sensitive skin or children.

Conclusion: Fresh Towels Start with Smart Habits

Eliminating musty smells from neglected towels is entirely possible with consistent care and informed cleaning practices. The key lies in understanding that odor is a symptom of microbial activity fueled by moisture and poor airflow. By combining targeted washing techniques, proper drying, and mindful storage, you can not only rescue affected towels but also prevent future issues. Treat your towels not just as linens, but as performance textiles that require maintenance to function optimally. With these strategies, every towel—from gym rags to luxury bath sheets—can stay soft, absorbent, and genuinely fresh.

💬 Have a stubborn towel that resisted every fix? Share your story and solution—we’d love to hear what worked for you!