By Rachael Thompson Linen 22.05.2025

The Secret to Removing Musty Odors From Towels

Towels smelling anything but fresh? We've got the answer.

Stepping out of the shower and into a freshly washed towel, only to find it smells, is disappointing to say the least. The feeling of being clean vanishes, and you're left feeling a bit gross and wondering why your towels still smell despite being washed every week.

Sometimes, no matter how many times your bath towels are washed, they develop a musty odor. There are a few solutions for combating the dreaded bath towel smell, and one of the easiest involves a household ingredient you almost certainly already have!

Below, we're sharing how to prevent and remove bad smells from bath towels so you can feel fresh and stay clean after you shower.

Why do towels develop a smell?

The primary cause of smelly towels is the buildup of microbes in the fabric. This can happen for several reasons:

Bathrooms are moist environments and moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Because bathrooms are wet environments, our towels can stay wet for long periods of time.
Each time we use a towel, we transfer bacteria, viruses, and dead skin cells onto it. When reused, those same microbes can transfer back onto our skin.

How can you prevent bad-smelling towels?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent a bad smell from developing on your bath towels.

Opt for 100% linen towels, which are naturally moisture-wicking and dry much faster than traditional towels. They’re also less likely to harbor bacteria between uses.
Wash after every third use, or sooner if you notice an unpleasant smell or persistent dampness. Keep this in mind for hand towels as well, which tend to get used more frequently than bath towels.
Replace your towels every few years.
Do not share towels.
Between uses, hang your towel in a well-ventilated area and let it dry completely – ideally outside the bathroom.
Hang bath mats after use.
If someone in your house has been sick, wash all of the towels.
Wash your towels separately from other fabrics.

How to get rid of the smell from towels

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to remove musty odors from towels is by adding vinegar to your wash. Simply add 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar to your normal cycle to combat any smells. Your best option is to use distilled white vinegar as it is the least expensive and contains no tannins to discolour fabrics. If the smell remains you can soak them for 30 minutes with a tablespoon of detergent.