How to Get Rid of Towel Smell

Toul towel odor is a common household nuisance, often caused by a buildup of bacteria, mildew, and soap scum. With a few practical steps and the right products, you can restore freshness and keep towels smelling clean between washes. This guide focuses on effective methods suitable for American households and compliant with typical laundry routines.

Quick Answer

To quickly freshen towels, run a hot wash with enzyme laundry deodorizer for towels, then use a dedicated laundry sanitizer for odor removal and a second rinse with washing machine deodorizer tablets. Dry towels completely and avoid damp storage to prevent re-smell.

What You’ll Need

enzyme laundry deodorizer for towels
laundry sanitizer for towels odor removal
washing machine deodorizer tablets
hot water for washing (as heat-safe for fabrics)
white vinegar or baking soda (optional, for pre-rinse)

	Enzyme Laundry Booster Odor Remover – 2 lbs Unscented Enzymatic Clothes Stain Cleaner Powder, Natural Deodorizer with Bio Active Enzymes, Detergent Additive Eliminator for Sweat, Oil, Blood – 64 Loads
	Lysol Tough Odor Eliminator Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Sanitizing Liquid for Gym Clothes and Activewear, 0% Bleach, Eliminates Odor Causing Bacteria, 90oz
	OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count

Before You Start

Before tackling towel odor, check that towels are not heavily worn or mildewed beyond refreshment. Ensure washing machine is clean and free of residue. Use the hottest water safe for your towel fabric and follow product directions. Do not mix cleaning agents with bleach unless specified; read labels for compatibility. Estimate time as a standard wash cycle plus one extra rinse if odor persists.

Step-By-Step: How To Get Rid Of Towel Smell

Sort towels by color and fabric type; run white or color-fast towels in a hot cycle to maximize deodorization.
Place towels in the washer and add enzyme laundry deodorizer for towels according to label directions to target odor-causing organisms.
Run a full hot wash with standard detergent excluded or reduced to avoid residue interference with the deodorizer.
After the first cycle, run an additional cycle using washing machine deodorizer tablets to remove mineral buildup and lingering smells from the washer drum.
Run a second rinse with clean water; if allowed, add laundry sanitizer for towels odor removal to treat bacteria that contribute to odor.
Optionally, for stubborn smells, run a pre-rinse with white vinegar or a small amount of baking soda before the main wash, then rewash with deodorizer products.
Extract towels promptly after washing, then dry thoroughly in a high-heat dryer or sun-dry if fabric permits.
Store towels in a dry, well-ventilated space to prevent new odor formation between uses.
Repeat the process if odor returns after several uses, adjusting the wash temperature or cycle length as needed.
For leather or delicate towels, adjust steps to lower temperatures and use milder agents while maintaining deodorization goals.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Likely Cause	Fix	Prevention
Towels still smell after wash	Insufficient cleaning agents or water not hot enough	Increase temperature (if fabric allows) and rewash with enzyme deodorizer	Use a routine with a deodorizing wash every 1–2 weeks
Musty odor remains in washer	Residue in drum or seal	Run washer with deodorizer tablets on empty hot cycle	Wipe seal and drum regularly; leave door ajar after cycles
Odor returns after drying	Moisture trapped in storage area	Ensure towels are completely dry before folding	Improve closet ventilation; consider moisture absorbers
Color fading after deodorizing	Overuse of strong chemicals	Follow label directions carefully; use milder alternatives as needed	Test on a small area first

Common Mistakes

Overloading the washer, which reduces rinsing effectiveness and leaves residues
Using too much detergent, which can trap odors in fibers
Skipping the extra rinse when odor persists, leading to residue buildup
Ignoring a consistently damp laundry storage area, which invites mildew

Tips For Best Results

Use enzyme laundry deodorizer for towels as the primary odor fighter for tackles on bacteria and mildew.
Rotate products if odors persist; alternating between deodorizer enzymes and sanitizers can improve outcomes.
Prefer hot water when fabrics allow; heat helps kill odor-causing microbes but check care labels first.
Regularly clean the washing machine with a deodorizing tablet to prevent home odors from recontaminating towels.
Air-dry towels outside when possible for a natural freshening effect and to reduce dryer wear.

Call A Professional

If towels continue to emit odor despite repeated treatments, or if you notice persistent musty smells in the washing machine drum that do not respond to standard cleaning, contact a professional appliance technician or laundry specialist. Persistent mildew, water intrusion, or mold behind washer seals can require expert intervention to restore proper operation and hygiene.

FAQ

Can I use bleach with odor-removing products?

Bleach can be effective against stains, but it may react with other products. Always follow label guidance and avoid mixing with ammonia or vinegar unless explicitly advised.

How often should I deodorize towels?

For households with heavy use or high humidity, deodorizing every 1–2 weeks helps prevent buildup. Adjust frequency based on odor presence.

Will vinegar damage towels?

When used sparingly and rinsed well, vinegar is generally safe for most towels and can aid odor removal. Do not mix with bleach.

Is it better to air-dry towels or use a dryer?

Both are effective; air-drying in sunlight offers natural deodorization, while a dryer ensures complete dryness and helpful heat to kill microbes.

Buying Guide

When choosing products to combat towel smell, consider size, odor strength, and fabric compatibility. A practical approach uses a combination of enzyme-based deodorizers for towels and dedicated sanitizers to address bacteria. Look for options designed for towels and laundry, with clear directions for use in household washers. Placement matters too; keep the laundry area clean and dry, and store towels in a ventilated space to prevent re-smell.

Key buying factors include:

<bSize: Choose products appropriate for your washer capacity and towel load size.
<bOdor strength: For stubborn odors, look for concentrated formulas that specify towel use.
<bEnergy and water use: Opt for efficient cycles and tablets that work effectively with standard loads.
<bControls and compatibility: Ensure products are compatible with your washing machine and detergent routine.
<bPlacement: Consider where you store towels; improve airflow to reduce moisture buildup.

If you’re comparing options, think about how each product works with towels specifically, the need for an extra rinse, and whether a deodorizer, sanitizer, or tablet system best fits your washing routine. A balanced approach combining enzyme deodorizers and washer tablets often yields the most reliable, long-term freshness for towels.