How to Make Towels Smell Fresh

Towels themselves are naturally odorless. But after absorbing water, sweat, and body oils, and being left damp in a humid bathroom or laundry basket, they become a breeding ground for bacteria, mildew, and mold. These microbes are what cause that sour, musty towel smell.

Common reasons your towels might smell bad:

• Leaving damp towels in a pile or a laundry basket
  
  

• Not washing towels often enough
  
  

• Using too much detergent or fabric softener (causes build-up)
  
  

• Inadequate drying or drying towels in poorly ventilated areas
  
  

• Using low-quality towels that trap odors easily
  
  

There are all kinds of towels out there — cotton, microfiber, poly-cotton blend, and more — but not all are created equal. Cheap, low-quality towels trap smells and lose their freshness fast.

Want that clean, crisp, hotel-fresh feeling every time? It starts with investing in high-quality, odor-resistant towels from DZEE Home that stay soft, smell fresh, and last wash after wash. 

Read more about: Bath Towel vs Spa Towel

How to Make Towels Smell Fresh Again: Step-by-Step

Here is what you’ll need to freshen towels 

• Washing machine
  
  

• Clothesline or drying rack
  
  

• Tennis balls or felted wool dryer balls (optional for fluffiness)
  
  

Materials

• Baking soda
  
  

• White vinegar
  
  

• Hot water
  
  

How to Wash Musty Towels and Remove Odors

Before You Begin:
Make sure to clean your washing machine regularly, too, as a dirty machine can transfer odors back into your clean laundry. Check out The 3 Best Washing Machine Cleaners to Make Your Appliance Sparkle Again if you haven’t done this in a while.

If your towels already have a musty or sour odor, don’t worry — you can restore their freshness with these proven cleaning methods:

1. Wash with Vinegar

Run your towels in a hot water cycle with half to one cup of white vinegar (no detergent). Vinegar naturally kills odor-causing bacteria and acts as a fabric softener.

Add vinegar during the rinse cycle to fully remove detergent residues.

 2. Wash with Baking Soda

Next, wash the towels again in hot water — this time with half a cup of baking soda and no detergent. Baking soda neutralizes odors and lifts trapped dirt and bacteria.

3. Dry Towels Properly

Line-drying towels outdoors leaves them naturally fresh and sun-kissed. If you prefer using a dryer:

• Toss in a couple of clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to fluff them up
  
  

• Ensure towels are fully dry before folding or storing

Important: Never leave damp towels on the floor or in the washer.

How to Dry Towels Without Them Getting Mildewy

If you're short on space:

• Hang towels over a door hook or clothes horse
  
  

• Dry near open windows for ventilation
  
  

• In rainy weather, place them under a covered balcony or gazebo
  
  

• Always ensure airflow to prevent musty smells
  
  

Tips to Keep Towels Smelling Fresh Longer

Prevent odors before they start with these towel-care habits:

• Use high-quality towels made from breathable, absorbent materials like 100% cotton
  
  

• Switch towels from the washer to the dryer immediately after washing
  
  

• Wash towels in hot water regularly
  
  

• Avoid overusing fabric softeners (they cause build-up)
  
  

• Assign color-coded towels to family members to track towel habits
  
  

• Regularly clean your washing machine to prevent bacteria buildup

Why Investing in Good-Quality Towels Matters

Not all towels are created equal. Cheap, low-quality towels tend to trap moisture, absorb odors, and lose their softness quickly, no matter how well you wash them.

DZEE Home’s premium towel collections are crafted from high-quality cotton blends, designed for durability, quick drying, and lasting freshness. Our towels:

• Stay soft after multiple washes
  
  

• Resist odor buildup
  
  

• Dry quickly to prevent mildew
  
  

• Are made with fine, breathable fibers for better absorbency and hygiene
  
  

If you want fresh, clean, and luxurious towels in your home or hospitality property, it starts with choosing the right towels.

Discover our ultra-soft, odor-free towel range at DZEE Home — designed for homes that value quality and care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I stop my towels from smelling musty?
A: Wash them in hot water with vinegar and baking soda regularly, dry them thoroughly, and avoid leaving them damp in piles.

Q: What’s the best way to keep bath towels fresh?
 A: Use high-quality, quick-drying towels like those from DZEE Home, wash them frequently, and air-dry them fully after every use.

Q: Can poor-quality towels cause odors?
A: Yes. Low-quality towels often hold onto moisture and bacteria, leading to persistent bad smells.

Q: Is vinegar safe for towels?
A: Yes. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and softener, great for neutralizing odors without harming towel fibers.

Final Thought: Invest in Better Towels

While washing tricks can help, the easiest way to keep your towels fresh is to start with premium, odor-resistant towels. Cheap, low-quality towels wear out quickly, trap odors, and lose their softness.

Upgrade your linen closet with high-quality, hotel-grade towels from DZEE Home — designed for long-lasting freshness, ultra-softness, and superior absorbency.

Better towels = fresher, cleaner, happier you.