How to Get Rid of Musty Smell in Towels

Musty-smelling towels can be caused by trapped moisture, mildew growth, or insufficient washing routines. With a few practical steps and targeted products, you can refresh towels, restore softness, and prevent odors from returning. This guide focuses on safe, American-friendly methods that work in most households.

By following a simple routine that combines thorough cleaning, proper drying, and odor-focused products, towels can stay fresh between laundries and avoid the stale, damp scent that many households encounter.

Quick Answer

Short method: Run an extra wash cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar or use a dedicated washing machine cleaner tablet, then dry towels on high heat. For persistent smells, use a desiccant or odor eliminator spray and consider a routine once a week.

What You’ll Need

DampRid moisture absorber desiccant bags
Washing machine cleaner tablets odor remover
Odor eliminator laundry spray for towels

	DampRid Lavender Vanilla Hanging Moisture Absorber, 16 oz., 3 Pack – Eliminates Musty Odors for Fresher, Cleaner Air, Ideal Moisture Absorbers for Closet, Blue, Small
	OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count
	Zero Odor – Laundry Odor Eliminator – Permanently Eliminate laundry Odor – Patented Molecular Technology Best For Clothes, Towels & Linens, Shoes, Bags, Etc. – rinse and refresh Again, 16oz

Before You Start

Safety and surface prep help protect towels and your washing machine. Clear the drum and lint filter, run hot water cycles when recommended, and ensure the laundry area is well-ventilated. Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia-based products. Plan for about 60–90 minutes for the full process, plus drying time. If towels remain musty after routine washing, extend the treatment or repeat the steps with fresh supplies.

Step-By-Step: How To Get Rid Of Musty Smell In Towels

Run an empty hot-water cycle with the washing machine cleaner tablets odor remover to remove built-up residues in the drum and hoses.
Wash towels separately in hot water with a standard detergent, ensuring they have enough room to move for thorough cleaning.
After the wash, run a second hot cycle with white vinegar or a dedicated odor-neutralizing product to break down remaining odors.
Rewash towels once more if the musty smell persists, using the odor eliminator laundry spray for towels as a pre-spray on especially smelly areas.
Place DampRid moisture absorber desiccant bags in the laundry area or closet to reduce ambient humidity and prevent mildew growth on linens between washes.
Dry towels completely in a high-heat dryer or under direct sun until completely dry, shaking them halfway through to improve air circulation.
Inspect towels for damp spots; if any, re-dry or air-dry in a well-ventilated space until fully dry.
Rotate towels to prevent over-drying certain fibers, which can trap odors in deeper fibers over time.
Consider a monthly treatment: run a cleaner tablet cycle followed by a hot wash, then dry thoroughly to maintain freshness.
Store towels in a dry area with good airflow to prevent ambient moisture from seeping back into fibers.
Optional long-term prevention: use the odor eliminator spray as a light post-wash mist on towels to maintain freshness between washes.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Likely Cause	Fix	Prevention
Towels still smell musty after washing	Persistent mildew growth in fibers	Run an extra hot wash with odor remover products; repeat if needed	Ensure towels are fully dry after each use
Musty odor returns within a few days	High humidity or damp storage area	Use DampRid in the laundry space; ensure bags are replaced as needed	Keep storage area ventilated and dry
Clothes dryer isn’t fully drying towels	Overloaded dryer or insufficient heat	Dry in smaller loads; clean lint filter; choose a higher heat setting	Don’t overload the dryer; allow air to circulate
Detergent residue on towels	Too much detergent or hard water buildup	Use the correct detergent amount; run an extra rinse cycle	Consider water-softening strategies if water is hard

Common Mistakes

Using only cold water cycles for towels that smell musty
Leaving towels damp in hampers or laundry baskets
Overloading the washing machine, preventing thorough cleaning
Neglecting to fully dry towels before storing

Keeping a consistent routine, including occasional deep-clean cycles, helps prevent recurring odors and keeps towels fresh longer.

Tips For Best Results

Run an empty hot-water cycle with a specialized washing machine cleaner tablet odor remover every few months to maintain the washer environment.
Pre-treat stubborn odors with a spray on towels before washing, focusing on areas with heavier smell or moisture exposure.
Balance towels in the dryer to ensure even drying and reduce the risk of moisture being trapped in fabric folds.
Store towels in a dry, well-ventilated closet or linen cabinet; avoid plastic containers that trap moisture.

Call A Professional

Stop or seek help if there are signs of mold growth beyond towels, persistent mildew on fabrics after multiple cleanings, or unusual musty odors that don’t respond to standard treatments. If a home laundry area shows water damage, visible mold in walls, or persistent dampness despite mitigation, contact a professional mold remediation service or a licensed plumber.

FAQ

Can I use bleach to remove towel odors?

Bleach can help with tough stains, but it can damage fibers and cause odors if not used correctly. Follow product instructions and consider a vinegar or specialized cleaner as a safer alternative for regular odor control.

How often should I treat towels to prevent musty smells?

Perform a routine hot-wash with odor remover products every 1–2 months, and use DampRid or similar moisture control in bathrooms or laundry areas to keep humidity in check.

Should I wash towels with other fabrics?

Avoid washing towels with items that shed lint or hold odors, which can transfer smells. Wash towels separately or with similarly textured items.

Is a vinegar rinse safe for all towel fabrics?

Yes, in most cases, but testing a small area is wise on delicate fibers. Use distilled white vinegar and avoid mixing with bleach.

What if the musty smell returns after a few days?

Check storage conditions and dryer performance, then repeat the cleaning cycle and consider adding a moisture-absorbing solution in the laundry area to reduce humidity.

Buying Guide

Choosing the right products and setup helps maintain fresh towels with less effort. Consider the following factors:

<bSize and capacity: Choose a washing machine and dryer that suit your household load. Larger families may require bigger drums and higher dryer capacity to ensure towels dry quickly and evenly.
Noise level: If laundry is near living areas, opt for quieter machines and consider placing dampness-control devices away from quiet rooms.
Energy efficiency: Look for Energy Star-rated machines and energy-saving cleaning products to minimize utility use while maintaining performance.
Controls: Simple, intuitive controls for cycles, water temperature, and extra rinses help maintain consistent results and avoid missteps that lead to odors.
<bPlacement: Store towels in a dry, well-ventilated area; avoid enclosed cabinets that trap moisture. Keep moisture absorbers in the bathroom or laundry room for ongoing humidity control.

With the right combination of cleaning cycles, odor-focused products, and moisture control, towels stay fresh longer. If the musty smell lingers, revisit storage conditions and the washing routine to tailor the approach to your home environment.