How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Towels?

There's nothing worse than wrapping yourself in a towel only to be met with a musty, mildew smell. Fortunately, it's not too hard to freshen up towels marred by mildew. With a few simple techniques and some changes to your laundry habits, you can keep your towels smelling fresh and clean.

Why Do My Towels Smell?

Towels can develop unpleasant odors for a variety of reasons:

Moisture: If towels are not dried properly, they become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Overloading the Washing Machine: Washing too many towels at once prevents them from being thoroughly cleaned.
Detergent Residue: Using too much detergent can cause residue to build up, trapping bacteria and odors.
Insufficient Drying: Air drying is great, but if not done thoroughly, it can leave towels damp and musty.

How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Towels

Step 1: Presoak with Vinegar

Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
Submerge your towels in the vinegar mixture and soak for 30 minutes. The vinegar helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria.

Step 2: Wash with Baking Soda

Transfer the towels to your washing machine.
Set the washer to the hottest temperature recommended for the towels.
Add your regular detergent along with 1/2 cup of baking soda. This adds an extra punch against mildew.

Step 3: Dry Completely

Dry the towels as soon as the washing machine stops.
Use a high heat setting and tumble them until they are completely dry to prevent mildew's return.

How to Prevent Your Towels From Getting Musty in the Future

Proper Hanging

Hang towels properly after use. Do not leave them in a damp pile or bunched together. Make sure they have enough room to breathe and dry fully.

Bathroom Ventilation

Ventilate the bathroom after bathing. Open a window or turn on the exhaust fan to expel excess moisture and humidity. This is especially important if you hang damp towels in your bathroom.

Regular Washing

Wash towels regularly. Laundering towels once a week is fine in a dry climate, but wash them more frequently if you’re in a humid climate. The moisture in the air contributes to mildew growth in damp towels.

Use High-Quality Towels

Investing in high-quality towels can help prevent musty smells. Turkish towels from The Loomia are made from premium Turkish cotton, known for its absorbency and quick-drying properties. These towels resist odors and stay soft and fresh longer.

Additional Tips

Isolate Musty Towels: Always separate musty towels from your fresh towels and other laundry to prevent the spread of the mildew smell.
Quick Action: Don’t let damp towels sit too long before washing them. If you can’t wash them right away, lay them flat or hang them to start the air circulation process.
Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can coat the fibers, reducing absorbency and trapping odors. Use white vinegar instead.
Drying Techniques: Line-drying in the sun can naturally neutralize mold and mildew, while tumble drying with wool dryer balls can speed up the process and reduce static.
Proper Storage: Ensure towels are completely dry before folding and storing them to prevent moisture buildup.

Understanding how to properly care for your towels and prevent mildew smells will keep them fresh and enjoyable for years. For the best results, consider high-quality options like Turkish towels from The Loomia, known for their durability and luxurious feel. Keep your bathroom mildew-free and your towels always ready for a refreshing experience.