Few things ruin a post-shower routine faster than a musty towel. The stale, mildewy scent instantly erases the clean feeling you just achieved.
According to Stacee Parker, a laundry professional at the coast-to-coast service Poplin.co, and Ilya Ornatov, founder of Pacific Northwest cleaning company NW Maids, keeping towels fresh between washes comes down to a few strict habits.
Fresh, folded towels resting in a bright, clean bathroom setting.
Ditch the Hooks and Relocate the Rack
Towel hooks are a primary offender when it comes to trapping odors. Ornatov notes that a bunched-up towel simply cannot dry properly.
“The big reason that towels get musty is that they’re not dried properly,” Ornatov says. “We see people all the time who put the towel on a hook and bunch it up when they hang it.”
Instead, spread the towel flat across a rack to ensure air circulates and hits every fiber evenly. Location matters, too. Hanging a towel right next to the shower exposes it to constant moisture, creating a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. Keep your towel rack a few feet away or move it into a nearby, well-ventilated room.
Cut Back on Detergent and Softener
More soap doesn’t equal cleaner fabric. In fact, many people use far too much detergent and fabric softener.
“That leaves a bunch of leftover residue on the towels,” Ornatov warns. This unseen buildup traps bad smells over time.
Stick strictly to the recommended amount on your detergent bottle, and consider swapping traditional fabric softener for plain white vinegar to keep fibers clear of chemical buildup.
Ensure They Are Bone-Dry Before Storing
If a towel smells stale after a single use, it likely wasn’t dried completely during its last cycle. Parker identifies this as a leading culprit for musty linens.
A person placing a white wool dryer ball into a residential laundry machine.
Remove towels promptly when the dryer timer sounds so any lingering moisture can evaporate in the open air.
“Don’t let them go stale in the dryer,” Parker advises. “Even though towels may feel dry to the touch, they may retain some small amount of moisture or ambient humidity.”
Harness Natural UV Light
If your stack of towels has been sitting too long, take them outdoors. Ultraviolet light acts as a natural disinfectant and odor killer.
Clean towels hanging to dry outside on a clothesline in the sun.
“If your stack of towels has been sitting for an extended period, pull them out and hang them on the drying line or somewhere in the sunlight,” Parker suggests.
Deodorize the Linen Closet
Towels are highly porous and will absorb whatever smells surround them. If your storage closet smells musty, your linens will quickly follow suit.
“Some closets may simply have their own odor because of the wood or other material used to construct shelving,” Parker says. Closets restrict airflow, creating an environment that promotes mildew.
Try adding a natural odor absorber directly to your shelves. A cedar block, a simple box of baking soda, or a lavender sachet can drastically extend the shelf life of your fresh towels.
Handle Heavy Linens with the Same Care
Just as bath towels need proper airflow and minimal detergent, bulkier items face the exact same challenges in the laundry room.
A heavy white comforter resting on top of a washing machine.
Whether you are dealing with daily bath towels or washing a heavy comforter, the golden rules remain consistent. Eradicate hidden moisture, don’t overload the fabric with harsh chemicals, and always give the material enough physical space to breathe.
