How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Towels and Keep Them Fresh

Why Do Towels Get That Musty Smell?

If you’ve ever pulled a towel out of the linen closet and been hit with a stale, mildewy odor, you’re not alone. That lingering smell is caused by moisture trapped deep in the fibers, especially when towels are not dried quickly after washing. The warm, damp environment becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold spores. Without proper care, even freshly laundered towels can smell sour within days. The key is to break the cycle by cleaning both the towels and your washing machine, adjusting your drying routine, and using targeted products. Below, we walk through a complete step-by-step system to banish that musty smell for good.

Step 1: Strip the Towels with a Hot Water Soak

The Science Behind Stripping

Over time, fabric softeners, detergent residue, body oils, and mineral deposits build up inside towel fibers. This layer of grime traps bacteria and prevents water from penetrating during washing. Stripping removes that buildup and restores absorbency.

How to Strip Towels

• Fill your bathtub or a large bucket with the hottest tap water available.
• Add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda per gallon of water. The vinegar breaks down alkaline residues, while baking soda neutralizes odors.
• Submerge the towels completely and stir occasionally. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Drain the water—it will look murky. Wring out the towels gently and transfer them to the washing machine.

Step 2: Wash with a Deep-Cleaning Method

Choose the Right Detergent and Boosters

A standard wash cycle often isn’t enough to kill mold spores. Use a high-quality detergent that is free of heavy fragrances and residues. For activewear and delicate fabrics, consider activewear laundry detergent, which is designed to remove oils without leaving build-up. Adding a booster like washing soda will raise the alkalinity of the water to help break down any remaining organic matter.

Wash Steps

1. Set the machine to the hottest water setting and select the longest cycle (heavy duty or whites).
2. Add the recommended amount of detergent plus 1/2 cup washing soda directly to the drum (not in the dispenser).
3. During the rinse cycle, pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the fabric softener compartment. This helps dissolve leftover soap and kills odors.
4. Avoid fabric softener—it coats the fibers and makes towels less absorbent.

Step 3: Correct Drying to Prevent Return of Smell

Tumble Drying Essentials

Bacteria become active again if towels stay damp too long. Immediately after the wash cycle ends, transfer towels to the dryer. Add three wool dryer balls to the dryer—they soften the fabric naturally and help the towels dry up to 25% faster by lifting them apart.

Drying Steps

• Set the dryer to high heat or medium-high (if your towels are 100% cotton, high heat is fine).
• Dry until the towels are completely bone-dry. A damp towel left in the dryer overnight will start smelling again.
• Remove promptly and fold or hang immediately. If you must leave them, set the dryer to an ‘air only’ cycle for 10 minutes before opening.

Step 4: Freshen Your Washing Machine

The Hidden Source of Smell

A smelly washing machine can re-infect your clean towels. Front-loaders are especially prone to mold around the rubber gasket and in the detergent drawer.

Monthly Machine Cleaning

Run an empty cycle on the hottest setting. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the drum and 1/2 cup baking soda to the detergent dispenser. Alternatively, use dishwasher cleaner tablets designed to break down grease and mildew (these work for washing machines too—just place one tablet directly in the drum). Wipe down the rubber gasket and door seal after each cycle to prevent standing water.

Step 5: Maintain Freshness Between Washes

Storage and Daily Habits

• Never store damp towels. Always hang them flat on a towel rack or rod, not folded, so air circulates.
• If you have a linen closet, place an odor eliminator on the shelf to absorb moisture and neutralize smells.
• Switch to a new towel every three to four uses. Wash used towels at least once a week.
• Avoid overloading the washer—towels need room to tumble and rinse thoroughly.

Step 6: Try a Preventative Laundry Additive

Vinegar and Essential Oil Boost

For an extra layer of freshness, add 10 drops of tea tree oil or lavender essential oil to the vinegar during the rinse cycle. Tea tree oil has natural antimicrobial properties that fight odor-causing bacteria. This step also leaves a light, clean scent.

Conclusion

Musty towel smell is a common frustration, but it’s completely fixable with a deep-clean routine and adjusted laundry habits. By stripping residue, washing with hot water and the right boosters, drying thoroughly, and cleaning your machine regularly, you can keep towels fresh and fluffy for years. Always use acidic rinses like white vinegar to neutralize odors, and avoid fabric softener altogether. If you want to speed up drying, consider upgrading to wool dryer balls. With these steps, you’ll never have to sniff a towel hesitantly again.