Smelly towels are really unpleasant! After a few washes, they often smell musty, even if you’ve just washed them. That unpleasant odour is caused by moisture, bacteria, and soap residues that build up in the fabric. Fortunately, with a few steps, you can make your towels smell fresh again. You’ll find effective ways to get rid of that bad smell and tips to prevent it from coming back.
Why do my towels smell?
- Moist environment: If towels don’t dry completely between uses, it creates a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. This especially happens when towels are crumpled up or stored in poorly ventilated spaces.
- Build-up of soap residues: Too much detergent or using fabric softener can leave residues that trap odours and attract bacteria. You can avoid overdosing with laundry sheets.
- No hot wash cycle: Lukewarm water does not fully kill bacteria. Regular washing at high temperatures prevents musty smells.
How do I get rid of smelly towels?
Here are three simple ways to make smelly towels fresh again:
Wash with vinegar and baking soda
First, wash your towels with hot water and a cup of white vinegar (without detergent). Then, repeat the wash cycle with only half a cup of baking soda. This neutralises odours and removes soap residues.
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 kills bacteria. We recommend Ecover oxygen bleach.
Air dry in the sun
Let your towels dry outside in the sun. Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and provides a fresh scent. Make sure the towels are completely dry before storing.
How do you prevent smelly towels in the future?
To prevent smelly towels, it’s important to always let them dry completely. Hang your towels out after each use, preferably on a rack or in the sun, so air can circulate freely. Avoid fabric softener, as it leaves a layer on the fibres that traps odours. Instead, use a small amount of vinegar in the wash to remove soap residues. Don’t forget to wash your towels regularly with hot water and dry them well – moisture is the main cause of odours.
If you follow all these tips during and after using a towel, you won’t have to worry about unpleasant smells anymore. By regularly washing with vinegar or baking soda, letting towels dry completely, and avoiding fabric softener, they stay fresh and odour-free. Make sure your towels air out well after use and store them in a dry, well-ventilated space.
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