No one enjoys using a towel that feels like sandpaper and smells like mildew. Unfortunately, it’s a common issue — you grab a clean towel from the closet, and as soon as it gets a little damp, that unmistakable musty smell hits you. Not only is it unpleasant, but it can also linger on your skin and clothes. Luckily, with a few simple tricks, you can restore your towels’ softness, eliminate bad odors, and keep them smelling wonderfully fresh after every wash.
Why Towels Start to Smell Musty
Towels tend to develop unpleasant odors because they’re constantly exposed to moisture. After every use, they absorb water and body residues, and if they don’t dry completely, they become the perfect environment for bacteria and mold growth. Over time, these microorganisms cause that musty, stale odor that’s hard to remove even after washing.
To prevent this, make sure your towels dry thoroughly after each use. Ideally, hang them outside in the sun and fresh air, as sunlight naturally kills bacteria and helps fabrics stay soft. If possible, do this before midday, when the sun’s rays are warm but not too strong.
During colder months, or when it’s rainy outside, hang your towels on a heated rack or near a radiator so they can dry completely. Avoid leaving damp towels bunched up in a basket or on the floor — that’s how the musty smell starts.
How to Keep Towels Soft and Fluffy
A common mistake many people make is using too much detergent. It might seem logical that more soap means cleaner towels, but the opposite is true. Excess detergent can build up within the fibers, making them stiff and less absorbent. Over time, this residue traps moisture and odors, deteriorating the fabric and making it rough to the touch.
Instead, use the recommended amount of detergent — or even slightly less — for each load. Not only will this help your towels last longer, but it’s also better for the environment.
Another golden rule for soft towels is to avoid commercial fabric softeners. While they make laundry smell nice at first, they actually coat the fibers with a waxy residue that reduces absorbency and prevents proper drying. Over time, this coating can contribute to that unpleasant “wet smell” you’re trying to avoid.
Natural Remedies for Soft and Odor-Free Towels
Two simple household ingredients — white vinegar and baking soda — can work wonders on rough, smelly towels. They’re natural, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly.
1. White Vinegar
White vinegar is rich in acetic acid, a natural disinfectant and deodorizer that kills bacteria and eliminates excess moisture. It also acts as a gentle fabric softener, breaking down mineral deposits left by hard water.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a powerful natural cleaner that neutralizes odors, dissolves grease, and helps remove detergent residue from the fibers. It also restores fluffiness and boosts the effectiveness of your laundry detergent.
The Vinegar and Baking Soda Wash Method
Here’s how to deep clean your towels naturally and bring back their softness:
-
Load the towels into the washing machine. Avoid overloading — they need space to move freely.
-
Add your usual detergent. Use the normal amount for your machine’s size.
-
Start a hot water cycle. When the washer begins filling, pour in one cup of white vinegar, previously diluted with about one glass of water.
-
For colored towels, you can add a pinch of salt. This helps preserve and brighten colors.
-
Let the wash complete its normal cycle.
For extra freshness, you can follow up with another short wash using half a cup of baking soda instead of detergent. This double-clean method helps remove buildup and neutralize stubborn odors.
Drying Towels the Right Way
Once the wash is done, shake out each towel before hanging or drying. This helps fluff up the fibers and prevents stiffness. If you’re using a dryer, toss in a few clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to help the towels stay soft and airy.
Always ensure your towels are completely dry before folding or storing them. Even a little residual moisture can lead to mildew, especially in warm, humid environments.
The Secret to Long-Lasting Fragrance: Essential Oils
If you want your towels to smell divine, essential oils are the secret ingredient. They’re natural, aromatic, and many have antibacterial properties.
-
Tea tree oil is a great option, thanks to its strong antifungal and antibacterial action.
-
Lavender essential oil adds a soothing scent while also offering mild antiseptic benefits.
-
Lemon essential oil provides a fresh, clean aroma and helps combat bacteria naturally.
To use them, mix about 10 drops of your favorite essential oil with 1 liter of water and a teaspoon of salt. Pour this mixture into the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine, then wash your towels as usual. The salt helps disperse the oil evenly during the rinse cycle, leaving your towels with a lasting, pleasant fragrance.
A Citrus Twist for Extra Freshness
If you don’t have essential oils on hand, you can use fresh lemon juice instead. Thanks to its antibacterial and degreasing properties, lemon helps remove any lingering odors while giving your laundry a clean, uplifting citrus scent. Simply add a few tablespoons of lemon juice to the rinse cycle, and your towels will come out smelling wonderfully fresh.
Final Tips for Fresh, Soft Towels Every Day
-
Wash towels separately from clothes to prevent detergent buildup and lint transfer.
-
Avoid over-drying in the machine — it can damage fibers and make towels rough.
-
Replace old towels every few years. Even with care, fibers wear out and lose absorbency over time.
-
Store towels properly: fold them neatly and keep them in a dry, ventilated space. Avoid sealed containers or humid closets.
By following these simple but effective tricks, your towels will always stay soft, fluffy, and beautifully scented, turning even a quick shower into a little moment of comfort and luxury.
