Why Towels Still Smell After Washing | How to Fix Musty Towels

Towels are one of the hardest-working items in the house

There’s nothing worse than stepping out of the shower, reaching for a “clean” towel… and being hit with that weird damp smell.

Towels are one of the hardest-working items in the house. They soak up water, body oils, skincare products, sweat, and humidity, often all in the same day. So even after washing, they can still end up smelling musty, sour, or just plain off.

Why Towels Hold Onto Smells

Towels are thick, absorbent, and often stay damp for longer than clothes do. That makes them the perfect environment for:

Bacteria
Mildew
Trapped moisture
Soap and detergent buildup

Over time, those things can build up deep inside the fibres, which is why towels can still smell bad even straight out of the washing machine.

Fresh fluffy towels folded after hot wash

The Most Common Reasons Towels Smell After Washing

Smelly towels are usually easy to fix once you know what’s causing it.

1. They’re Staying Damp for Too Long

Towels that sit in a heap on the bathroom floor, hang folded over themselves, or stay in a laundry basket while damp are basically breeding grounds for bacteria.

The fix:

Hang towels flat after each use
Let them dry fully before throwing them in the hamper
Wash them every 3–4 uses

2. You’re Using Too Much Detergent

Using extra detergent doesn’t make towels cleaner, it can actually make them smell worse. Too much detergent leaves residue behind, which traps bacteria and moisture inside the fibres.

The fix:

Use slightly less detergent than you think you need
Avoid “extra soap for extra dirty towels”
Run an extra rinse cycle occasionally

3. Fabric Softener Is Coating the Fibres

Fabric softener makes towels feel soft at first, but over time it creates a waxy coating that:

Reduces absorbency
Traps smells
Makes towels feel stiff or greasy

The fix:

Skip fabric softener entirely for towels, or only use it occasionally.

If your towels already feel coated, wash them with white vinegar to strip out the buildup.

4. Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning

Sometimes it’s not the towels, it’s the machine.

Washing machines can build up soap scum, mould, lint and trapped water around seals and drawers.

If your machine smells bad, your towels probably will too.

The fix:

Run an empty hot cycle with white vinegar once a month
Wipe down the door seal and detergent drawer
Leave the machine door open between washes

How to Get the Smell Out of Towels

If your towels already smell musty, here’s the easiest way to bring them back to life:

Step 1: Wash With White Vinegar

Add 1 cup of white vinegar directly into the drum with your towels.

Don’t use detergent in this cycle.

The vinegar helps:

Break down detergent buildup
Remove odours
Strip out residue from fabric softener

Step 2: Wash Again With Baking Soda

Run a second wash using half a cup of baking soda.

This helps neutralise lingering smells and freshens the towel fibres.

Step 3: Dry Completely

Dry towels thoroughly. Preferably in a dryer or in direct sunlight.

The key is making sure towels are 100% dry before folding or putting them away.

Even slightly damp towels can start smelling musty again very quickly.

White vinegar and baking soda used to clean towels

The Best Way to Wash Towels Going Forward

To keep towels smelling fresh long-term:

Wash towels separately from clothes
Use warm or hot water where possible
Don’t overload the machine
Skip fabric softener
Dry towels completely before storing them
Wash towels every few uses, not once a fortnight

Towels should smell clean, fluffy, and fresh, not like they’ve been sitting in a gym bag.

When It’s Time to Replace Them

Sometimes towels are simply too far gone.

If your towels:

Still smell after multiple washes
Feel stiff, greasy, or rough
Don’t absorb water properly
Have had years of heavy use

…it might be time for a replacement. Old towels can hold onto bacteria and residue much more easily than newer ones.

Why Laundromats Can Help

If you’ve got bulky towels, bath sheets, or lots of laundry piling up, commercial washers and dryers can make a huge difference.

Larger machines:

Rinse more effectively
Spin out more moisture
Dry towels faster and more thoroughly

That means less dampness, less residue, and fresher towels overall.

For Sydney households, especially in winter or humid weather, using a laundromat dryer can be one of the easiest ways to avoid that lingering musty smell.

Visit a laundrlab location

Disclaimer: The advice provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only. Always refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer for your specific laundry machines and clothing/bedding items.