How to Remove Bad Smell from Towels After Washing

Towels are meant to feel fresh, soft and clean after washing. But sometimes, even after a complete wash cycle, towels still smell bad. They may smell musty, damp, sour or sweaty. This usually happens because towels hold moisture, detergent residue, body oil and bacteria more than normal clothes.

If you are wondering how to remove bad smell from towels after washing, the best method is to wash towels separately, avoid excess detergent, rinse properly, dry them completely and never leave wet towels folded or inside the washing machine.

In this guide, you will learn why towels smell after washing, how to remove odour safely, what mistakes to avoid and when professional laundry care is the better option.

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Why Do Towels Smell Bad After Washing?

Towels smell bad after washing because they are thick, absorbent and hold moisture for a long time. When towels are not washed, rinsed or dried properly, smell-causing buildup can remain inside the fibres.

Common reasons towels smell include:

• Towels stayed wet for too long
• Washing machine was overloaded
• Too much detergent was used
• Towels were not rinsed properly
• Towels were dried slowly
• Damp towels were folded or stored
• Fabric softener buildup trapped odour
• Towels were washed with very dirty clothes
• The washing machine itself was not clean

The CDC’s information on mold and damp environments explains why moisture control is important in damp fabrics and indoor areas.

Do Not Leave Wet Towels in the Machine

One of the biggest reasons towels smell after washing is leaving them inside the washing machine for too long. Wet towels sitting in a closed drum can develop a musty smell quickly, especially during summer or monsoon.

After the wash cycle ends:

• Remove towels immediately
• Shake them before drying
• Spread them properly
• Dry them in airflow
• Do not pile wet towels together

Even freshly washed towels can smell bad if they stay wet for hours.

Wash Towels Separately

Towels should ideally be washed separately from regular clothes. Towels are thick and absorbent, while shirts, T-shirts, uniforms and delicate clothes need different wash handling.

Washing towels separately helps with:

• Better cleaning
• Better rinsing
• Less lint transfer
• Less odour buildup
• Proper detergent distribution
• Better drying after wash

Avoid washing towels with jeans, heavily stained clothes or delicate garments. Towels need enough space to move freely in the machine.

Avoid Using Too Much Detergent

Many people think more detergent means cleaner towels. In reality, too much detergent can remain inside towel fibres and create residue. This residue can trap body oil, sweat and odour.

The American Cleaning Institute’s guide on laundry products and detergents explains why using the correct detergent type and quantity matters for laundry results.

To avoid detergent buildup:

• Use the recommended amount
• Do not pour extra detergent blindly
• Use mild detergent for regular washing
• Run an extra rinse if towels feel soapy
• Do not overload the washing machine

If towels feel stiff or slippery after washing, detergent residue may be one reason.

Avoid Excess Fabric Softener

Fabric softener can make towels feel smooth, but too much softener can coat towel fibres. This coating can reduce absorbency and trap odour.

If your towels smell bad even after washing, reduce or avoid fabric softener for a few washes.

Signs of softener buildup include:

• Towels feel waxy
• Towels absorb less water
• Towels smell musty
• Towels feel heavy after washing
• Towels become rough after drying

Fresh towels need proper washing and rinsing more than heavy fragrance.

Dry Towels Completely

Drying is one of the most important steps. A towel may be washed properly, but if it does not dry fully, it can still smell bad.

Safe towel drying tips:

• Dry towels in sunlight if fabric allows
• Use a well-ventilated area
• Spread towels fully
• Do not fold while damp
• Avoid drying towels in closed bathrooms
• Turn towels if drying is slow
• Make sure thick towels are dry from inside

During monsoon, towels may need extra airflow because humidity slows drying.

How to Remove Bad Smell from Towels Step by Step

Follow this simple method when towels smell bad after washing.

Step 1: Wash Towels Separately

Do not mix smelly towels with clothes. Wash towels separately so they get enough water, detergent and movement.

Step 2: Use the Right Detergent Quantity

Use only the recommended detergent amount. Too much detergent can leave residue.

Step 3: Choose Proper Wash Cycle

Use a wash cycle suitable for towels. Very short cycles may not clean thick towels properly.

Step 4: Add Extra Rinse If Needed

If towels smell or feel soapy, use an extra rinse cycle to remove detergent buildup.

Step 5: Dry Immediately

Remove towels from the machine as soon as washing is complete.

Step 6: Dry Fully Before Folding

Never fold or store towels when they are even slightly damp.

Step 7: Store in a Dry Cupboard

Keep towels in a clean, dry and ventilated storage area.

How Often Should Towels Be Washed?

Bath towels should usually be washed after 3–4 uses if they dry properly between uses. But if the towel smells bad, stays damp or is used after gym, illness or heavy sweating, wash it sooner.

Suggested towel washing frequency

Face towels, gym towels and kitchen towels should be washed more frequently because they collect more moisture, sweat, oil and germs.

Why Towels Smell During Monsoon

Towels often smell more during monsoon because the air is humid and drying takes longer. When towels remain damp for many hours, musty odour can develop.

Monsoon towel care tips:

• Wash smaller loads
• Dry towels under a fan or in airflow
• Avoid drying towels in closed rooms
• Do not leave towels in the washing machine
• Use extra rinse if needed
• Make sure towels are fully dry before storage
• Use professional laundry if drying at home is difficult

LaundryWala’s professional laundry service can be helpful during monsoon when towel drying becomes difficult at home.

Why Towels Smell Even After Drying

Sometimes towels smell fine when dry, but start smelling bad after getting wet again. This usually means residue is trapped inside the fibres.

Possible reasons include:

• Detergent buildup
• Fabric softener coating
• Body oil residue
• Poor rinsing
• Old towel fibres
• Washing machine odour
• Towels not washed deeply enough

If towels smell as soon as they get wet, they may need deeper cleaning or professional laundry care.

Clean the Washing Machine Too

A dirty washing machine can make towels smell bad. Detergent residue, lint, moisture and dirt can collect inside the drum, rubber gasket or detergent tray.

To reduce machine odour:

• Keep the washing machine door open after use
• Clean the detergent tray
• Wipe the rubber gasket
• Run a cleaning cycle as per machine instructions
• Do not leave wet laundry inside
• Avoid excess detergent

If the machine smells musty, towels washed in it may also smell musty.

Can Sunlight Help Remove Towel Smell?

Sunlight can help towels dry faster and feel fresher, but it should be used carefully. Strong sunlight may fade coloured towels over time, so coloured towels should not be kept in harsh sun for too long.

For towels:

• White towels can usually handle mild sunlight better
• Coloured towels should be dried in shade or indirect light
• Thick towels need airflow
• Do not fold until fully dry
• Avoid storing towels immediately after partial drying

Drying properly is more important than only adding fragrance.

Should You Use Hot Water for Smelly Towels?

Hot water may help in some cases, but it is not suitable for every towel. Always check the care label before using hot water. Some towels may shrink, fade or lose softness if washed at high temperatures.

The FTC guide on clothing care labels explains why wash temperature and drying instructions should be followed.

Use hot water only when:

• The towel care label allows it
• The towel is not delicate
• Colour bleeding is not a risk
• Fabric can handle the temperature

For coloured or premium towels, normal water and proper rinsing may be safer.

Can Vinegar Remove Bad Smell from Towels?

White vinegar is often used as a home remedy for towel odour, but it should be used carefully. It may help reduce residue in some cases, but it is not suitable for every fabric or every washing machine.

Before using vinegar:

• Check towel care label
• Check washing machine instructions
• Do not mix vinegar with bleach
• Use carefully and rinse properly
• Avoid using too frequently

Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning chemicals. Mixing chemicals can be unsafe and can damage fabrics.

Can Baking Soda Remove Towel Smell?

Baking soda is also used for odour control, but it should not be treated as a solution for every towel problem. It may help with some washable towels, but proper washing, rinsing and drying are still most important.

Use baking soda carefully only when:

• Towels are washable
• Fabric is not delicate
• Colour is stable
• You are not mixing chemicals
• Care label allows normal washing

For expensive towels or repeated smell problems, professional laundry may be a better option.

Common Mistakes That Make Towels Smell Bad

1. Keeping Wet Towels in a Pile

Wet towels should never be left in a pile. They need airflow to dry.

2. Using Too Much Detergent

Extra detergent can remain trapped inside towel fibres.

3. Using Too Much Fabric Softener

Fabric softener buildup can reduce absorbency and trap smell.

4. Overloading the Machine

Towels need enough space to wash and rinse properly.

5. Folding Damp Towels

Even slightly damp towels can smell musty after storage.

6. Washing Towels Too Late

Waiting too long allows sweat, oil and odour to settle deeper.

7. Ignoring Machine Odour

A smelly washing machine can transfer odour to towels.

How to Keep Towels Fresh for Longer

Fresh towels need regular care, proper drying and clean storage.

Useful tips:

• Hang towels after every use
• Do not leave towels on the bathroom floor
• Wash towels after 3–4 uses
• Wash gym towels after every use
• Use correct detergent quantity
• Avoid too much softener
• Dry fully before folding
• Store in a dry cupboard
• Keep bathroom ventilation open
• Replace very old towels when needed

Good daily habits prevent towel smell better than perfume or fragrance.

When Should You Choose Professional Laundry?

Choose professional laundry when towels smell bad even after washing, drying is difficult at home or you have heavy household laundry loads.

Professional laundry is useful when:

• Towels smell after every wash
• Towels feel rough or heavy
• Large towel loads are difficult to dry
• Monsoon drying is a problem
• Bedsheets and towels need bulk washing
• You want fresh and hygienically packed laundry
• You do not have time for regular towel washing

LaundryWala provides laundry and doorstep pickup support for towels, bedsheets, daily clothes and household laundry.

To book a service, visit Contact LaundryWala.