Smelly towels are really unpleasant! After a few washes they often smell musty, even when you have just washed them. That unpleasant odour comes from moisture, bacteria and soap residue that build up in the fabric. Luckily you can get your towels smelling fresh again in a few steps. You will find effective ways to get rid of that nasty smell, plus tips to stop it coming back.
Why do my towels smell?
- Damp environment: If towels do not dry fully between uses, you create a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. This happens especially when towels are left bunched up or stored in poorly ventilated rooms.
- Build-up of soap residue: Too much detergent or using fabric softener can leave residue that traps odour and attracts bacteria. You can avoid overdosing with laundry sheets.
- No hot wash programme: Lukewarm water does not fully kill bacteria. Washing regularly at a high temperature helps prevent musty odours.
How do I get rid of smelly towels?
These are three simple ways to get smelly towels fresh again:
Wash with vinegar and baking soda
First wash your towels in hot water with a cup of white vinegar (no detergent). Then repeat the wash cycle with only half a cup of baking soda. This helps neutralize odours and remove soap residue.
Use hot water and oxygen bleach
For stubborn odours you can use oxygen bleach in hot water. This works well on both coloured and white towels and helps kill bacteria. We recommend Ecover oxygen bleach.
Air-dry in the sun
Let your towels dry outside in the sun. Sunlight works as a natural disinfectant and leaves a fresh smell. Make sure the towels are fully dry before you put them away.
How do you prevent smelly towels in future?
To prevent smelly towels, it is important to let them dry fully. Hang your towels out after each use, preferably on a rack or in the sun, so air can circulate freely. Avoid fabric softener, because it leaves a coating on the fibres that traps odours. Use a small amount of vinegar in the wash instead to help remove soap residue. Remember to wash your towels regularly in hot water and dry them well, moisture is the biggest cause of odours.
If you follow all these tips during and after using a towel, you no longer have to worry about the unpleasant smell. By washing regularly with vinegar or baking soda, letting the towels dry fully, and skipping fabric softener, they stay fresh and odour-free. Make sure your towels can air after use and store them in a dry, well-ventilated space.
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