How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Towels
Mildew smell in towels comes from mould and bacterial colonies that colonize towel fibres when they remain damp. Towels used multiple times without fully drying develop this smell quickly. The problem is not just surface-level — the organisms have embedded in the fibres and require both mechanical treatment and chemical action to fully eliminate.
Why Standard Washing Doesn't Work
Regular laundry detergent cleans the towel surface but doesn't strip the residue buildup (detergent and softener buildup, body oils, dead skin cells) that traps moisture and feeds the bacteria. The two-wash reset strips this buildup and kills the organisms.
The Two-Wash Reset Method
Wash 1: White Vinegar
- Wash the towels in the hottest water setting safe for the fabric
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the drum (not the detergent drawer) — no detergent in this wash
- The vinegar's acetic acid kills the bacteria and mould spores and strips detergent/softener buildup from the fibres
Wash 2: Baking Soda
- Without drying the towels after the vinegar wash, run a second hot wash immediately
- Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the drum — no detergent
- The baking soda deodorizes and lifts any remaining residue
Dry Completely
- Dry on the highest heat setting the fabric tolerates — high dryer heat kills remaining microorganisms
- Add dryer balls to improve air circulation and speed drying
- Do not remove until completely dry — damp towels in the dryer will restart the problem immediately
Prevention
- Hang towels fully spread out after every use — folded towels retain moisture in layers
- Wash every 3–4 uses — waiting too long allows bacteria populations to establish
- Never use fabric softener on towels — it coats the fibres and reduces absorbency and airflow
Book a Maidless deep clean at maidless.ca — 4.9★, 100+ reviews, vetted cleaners across Toronto.