How to Remove Musty Odor from Towels and Keep Them Fresh

You’ve just stepped out of a refreshing shower, reached for your favorite towel—and bam, there it is. That unmistakable, sour musty smell. Nothing kills post-shower vibes like a towel that smells like it’s been hiding in a gym bag for a week. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. “How to get smell out of towels” is one of the most searched towel-related problems online—and for good reason. Towels are absorbent by design, but when they’re not properly dried or cleaned, they become the perfect breeding ground for mildew and odor-causing bacteria.

The good news? You don’t have to toss out your towels or douse them in heavy fragrance. You just need the right cleaning approach—and a few pro tips to keep them smelling clean, wash after wash.

Why Towels Smell Musty in the First Place

Before we jump into the solutions, it’s worth understanding why towels get musty to begin with. It all comes down to three culprits: moisture, detergent buildup, and bacteria.

Here’s how it works:

• When you hang a damp towel in a poorly ventilated space, it doesn’t dry fast enough. That slow-dry environment becomes a cozy home for mildew.
  
  

• Add in some leftover fabric softener or detergent that didn’t rinse out completely, and now your towel has a sticky layer that traps even more bacteria.
  
  

• Over time, even clean-looking towels can develop a hidden layer of grime, making them less absorbent—and much more prone to odor.
  
  

Step-by-Step: How to Get Musty Smell Out of Towels

Let’s fix that musty smell for good. No gimmicks. No fancy products. Just smart, effective cleaning techniques using what you probably already have at home.

1. Strip the Build-Up with Vinegar and Baking Soda

One of the most effective ways to refresh your towels is a two-step wash using household staples: white vinegar and baking soda.

Here’s how:

• First, run your towels through a hot water wash cycle with one cup of white vinegar—no detergent.
  
  

• Then, wash them again with hot water and half a cup of baking soda.
  
  

• Skip the fabric softener and dryer sheets—both reduce absorbency.
  
  

• Dry them immediately on high heat or hang them in direct sunlight.
  
  

This combo helps break down residues, kill bacteria, and neutralize odors at the fiber level.

2. Try a Deep-Clean Laundry Detergent

Sometimes the smell is stubborn, especially if the towels haven’t been cleaned properly for a while. In that case, switch to a high-efficiency, enzyme-based detergent that’s designed to eliminate bacteria and deep-set grime.

Look for terms like:

• “Odor-eliminating”
  
  

• “Enzyme-powered”
  
  

• “For sports or activewear” (these usually target sweat and bacteria buildup)
  
  

Make sure to use the correct amount—more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner towels. In fact, using too much can actually make things worse by leaving behind more residue.

How to Prevent Towels from Smelling Musty

Once your towels are fresh again, the next step is making sure they stay that way. Here’s how to prevent that damp, sour smell from creeping back.

1. Dry Towels Completely Between Uses

The simplest (and most effective) trick is making sure towels dry fully between uses. Hang them on a rod—not a hook—so air can circulate. Better yet, let them dry near a window or fan.

Pro Tip: Avoid stacking damp towels in a laundry basket. That’s basically a spa day for mildew.

2. Wash Towels Every 3–4 Uses

Towels should be washed regularly—even if they seem clean. Body oils, sweat, and dead skin cells collect over time and create the perfect storm for bacteria growth.

Stick to every 3–4 uses max. If it’s a gym or beach towel, wash after every use.

3. Don’t Overload the Machine

Jamming the washer with too many towels means they won’t get rinsed or spun properly. This leaves them damp and detergent-heavy—two things you definitely want to avoid.

Give them space to move freely in the drum for a proper clean.

4. Use the Right Towels for the Job

Not all towels are made equal. Some materials trap odor more than others.

• Microfiber towels dry quickly but can hold onto bacteria if not washed properly.
  
  

• Terry towels, especially made of organic cotton, are highly absorbent and breathable—making them a better long-term choice for odor resistance.
  
  

If you’re consistently fighting towel odor, upgrading your towel quality could be part of the solution.

Bonus Tip: Sunlight Is a Natural Disinfectant

Want a no-effort way to keep towels fresh? Dry them in the sun.

The UV rays help kill bacteria and remove lingering smells naturally. Plus, there’s something satisfying about the crisp feel of a sun-dried towel—especially if it’s just been stripped and refreshed.

Keep Your Towels (and Bathroom) Fresh

A clean, fresh-smelling towel might seem like a small win—but it’s one that can improve your daily routine. By understanding what causes musty odor and how to prevent it, you can extend the life of your towels and avoid that unpleasant surprise when you reach for one after a hot shower.

No more guessing, no more tossing out “clean” towels that smell off. Just a few simple changes, and you’ll have that fresh-laundry feel every time.

Now might be the perfect moment to take a quick look at your linen shelf. If your towels have been hanging on too long—and smelling like it—it’s time for a refresh.