How to Remove Mildew Smell From Towels
To remove a mildew smell from towels, separate the affected towels, check the care label, wash them in a load that is not crowded, and dry them completely as soon as the cycle ends. If the smell returns, the cause may be detergent or fabric-softener residue, a damp washing machine, or towels that are staying wet between uses.
Find the likely cause
| What you notice | Likely direction | Safe next check |
|---|---|---|
| One towel smells after being left damp | Trapped moisture or odor-causing buildup | Wash promptly and dry completely |
| Every towel smells after washing | Washer residue or a cleaning-cycle problem | Inspect the washer and run its approved tub-care cycle |
| Towels feel waxy or stiff | Detergent or softener buildup | Follow the label and use the correct detergent amount |
| Odor returns after drying | Incomplete drying or deep residue | Check the dryer, airflow, washer, and towel condition |
Quick answer
Wash, rinse, and dry completely
Check the towel label, wash affected towels separately from delicate items, use the hottest temperature the label permits, and dry them fully. Do not mix bleach, vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners. If every load smells, clean the washer according to its manual before repeating the towel wash.
Steps to remove the odor
1. Check the care label and separate the load
Look for the allowed water temperature, bleach restrictions, and drying method. Separate towels with visible mold spots or damaged fabric. Do not overload the washer; towels need room to move and rinse.
2. Use the label-approved wash method
Select the warmest setting permitted by the towel label and use the recommended detergent amount. More detergent does not necessarily clean better and can leave residue that holds odor. Use color-safe products only when the label and product directions allow them.
3. Add a second rinse only when appropriate
An extra rinse can help when detergent residue is suspected, but follow the washer and towel instructions. Never combine bleach with acids such as vinegar, and never improvise a chemical mixture.
4. Dry the towels immediately and completely
Move the towels out of the washer as soon as the cycle ends. Dry them using the label-approved method until the thickest seams and folds are fully dry. A towel that feels dry on the surface can still hold moisture inside.
5. Check the washer if the smell returns
If several loads smell, inspect the door gasket, dispenser, and accessible filter only as the washer manual describes. Run the approved tub-cleaning cycle and leave the door or lid open between loads when safe. See our washing machine odor guide if the appliance itself smells foul.
When to replace a towel
Retire a towel when visible mold remains after the label-approved wash, the smell persists after two careful wash-and-dry cycles, the fabric is breaking down, or it no longer dries properly. Do not keep using a towel that causes skin irritation or has a persistent musty odor.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my towels smell after washing?
The towel may have stayed damp, the washer may contain residue, or too much detergent or softener may remain in the fibers. Check the towel and washer separately instead of repeating the same cycle without diagnosis.
Can I use bleach on smelly towels?
Only when the care label and product instructions allow it. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners.
How can I keep towels from smelling again?
Hang towels so they dry between uses, avoid a crowded wash load, use the recommended detergent amount, clean the washer as its manual directs, and dry towels fully before folding them.
Sources
This guide follows care-label and odor guidance from Clorox, Whirlpool, Tide, Simple Green, and GE Appliances. Follow the exact towel label when it differs from general advice.
