How to Remove Mildew Smell from Towels — What Actually Works

Towels smell sour or musty because of mildew — a type of mould that grows in damp fabric when towels are left wet, stored in a humid bathroom, or washed and left in the drum. The smell is caused by the bacteria and mould themselves, not by the towel being dirty. Regular washing often doesn't eliminate the smell because it doesn't kill the mildew already embedded in the fibres. Here's what does work.

The Two-Step Restoration Method

This two-step approach is the most reliable way to eliminate embedded mildew smell from towels that have already developed the problem.

Step 1: Hot Wash with White Vinegar (No Detergent)

1. Load the smelly towels into the washing machine — no detergent, no fabric softener
2. Pour 250ml (1 cup) of white vinegar into the detergent compartment or directly into the drum
3. Run on the hottest wash cycle the towels can tolerate (check the care label — most cotton towels can handle 60°C)

The vinegar kills the mildew and bacteria responsible for the smell. Hot water helps penetrate the towel fibres.

Step 2: Hot Wash with Baking Soda

1. Immediately run a second hot wash — this time with 125ml (½ cup) of baking soda in the detergent compartment and no detergent
2. The baking soda neutralizes any remaining vinegar and absorbs residual odours

Do not combine vinegar and baking soda in the same wash — they neutralize each other.

Step 3: Dry Thoroughly

Dry towels immediately after washing — either in a hot dryer or in direct sunlight (which also kills mildew through UV exposure). Never leave washed towels in the drum; that's what causes the smell to develop in the first place.

If the Smell Persists

For very stubborn cases, pre-soak towels in a bucket of hot water with 60ml (¼ cup) of oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) for 1 hour before the vinegar wash. Oxygen bleach is colour-safe and effective at breaking down organic material in fabric.

If towels still smell after two full treatment cycles, they're likely beyond restoration — the mildew is too deeply embedded. This is typically the case with towels that have been stored damp for extended periods.

Preventing the Smell

• Hang towels to dry immediately after use — never leave them in a pile or on the floor
• Use a towel hook rather than a towel ring where possible — full extension dries towels faster
• Run the bathroom exhaust fan during and after showers to reduce ambient humidity
• Wash towels every 3–4 uses
• Use less detergent — detergent buildup in towel fibres traps moisture and feeds mildew. If you consistently use full doses, try halving the amount
• Don't use fabric softener on towels — softener coats fibres and reduces absorbency and drying speed

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