MAPIHow to Get Mildew Smell Out of Towels
Towels often develop a mildew smell when they stay damp for too long, sit wet in a hamper, or are stored before they are fully dry. The odor can also become trapped by detergent or fabric-softener residue. A thorough rewash, an odor-removing treatment when needed, and complete drying usually restore washable towels without covering the smell with fragrance.
Rewash the towels with detergent using the warmest water allowed by the care label, then dry them completely. If the smell remains, soak or wash them with an oxygen-based laundry bleach according to its label, then wash again. Never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners.
Things you'll need
- Laundry detergent
- Oxygen-based laundry bleach for stubborn odor if suitable for the towels
- Washing machine or suitable hand-washing container
- Dryer or well-ventilated drying area
Separate the musty towels
Take the affected towels out of the hamper and keep them separate from clean laundry. Check each care label for the maximum safe wash temperature and any bleach restrictions. If a towel has visible heavy mold growth, severe staining, or damaged fabric, consider replacing it rather than treating it with normal laundry.
Wash with detergent
Put the towels in the washing machine without overloading it so water can move through the fabric. Add the normal amount of laundry detergent and choose the warmest water temperature allowed by the care label. Skip fabric softener because it can leave a coating that traps odor and reduces towel absorbency.
Treat odor that remains
Smell the towels after washing while they are still damp. If the mildew odor remains, use an oxygen-based laundry bleach that is suitable for the towel color and fabric. Follow the product label for the amount, water temperature, and soak or wash time, then rinse or wash the towels as directed. Do not combine cleaning products.
Dry the towels completely
Move the towels to the dryer or drying area as soon as the wash finishes. Dry them until the thickest parts, hems, and folded edges are fully dry. If air-drying, spread each towel open with good airflow instead of leaving it doubled over a rail. Do not put towels away while any part still feels damp.
Prevent the smell from returning
Hang used towels where air can circulate and let them dry before placing them in a hamper. Wash damp towels promptly instead of leaving them in the washer overnight. Keep the washing machine drum and door area clean, and leave the washer door or lid open between loads when the manufacturer recommends it so trapped moisture can escape.
Tips & common mistakes
Tips for best results
- Wash towels in a load with enough space for them to move freely; an overfilled drum can leave detergent and odor trapped in the fabric.
- Measure detergent instead of adding extra. Too much detergent can leave residue that holds moisture and odor.
- Move towels out of the washer soon after the cycle ends, especially in warm or humid weather.
- If you use chlorine bleach on white bleach-safe towels, follow both the towel care label and bleach product directions exactly.
- Clean the washer if freshly washed laundry regularly comes out musty, because odor can transfer from residue inside the machine.
Common mistakes
- Covering the smell with fabric softener: Fragrance may hide the odor temporarily while residue remains in the towel.
- Storing towels slightly damp: Moisture trapped in a folded towel can quickly bring the musty smell back.
- Using more detergent than needed: Excess detergent can be difficult to rinse from thick towel fibers.
- Mixing chlorine bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners: Dangerous gases can form. Use one treatment at a time and follow product labels.
- Using very hot water without checking the care label: High heat can damage some colors, finishes, or fibers.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my towels smell like mildew even after washing?
They may still contain odor-causing residue, may not have been washed thoroughly enough, or may have stayed damp after the cycle. A crowded washer, excess detergent, and fabric softener can also make odors harder to remove.
Can I use oxygen bleach on colored towels?
Many oxygen-based laundry bleaches are designed for color-safe use, but you should still check the towel care label and the product instructions before treating the fabric.
Should I use fabric softener on musty towels?
It is better to skip it while removing mildew odor. Fabric softener can coat towel fibers, trap residue, and reduce absorbency.
Can I use chlorine bleach on towels?
Use it only on towels whose care labels allow chlorine bleach, and follow the bleach label carefully. Never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners.
When should I replace a mildew-smelling towel?
Replace it if repeated proper washing does not remove the odor, if the fabric has heavy visible mold growth that cannot be removed, or if the towel is badly stained or damaged.
Written by Mapiance Editorial Team
The Mapiance Editorial Team researches, writes, reviews, and maintains practical guides and explainers for MAPIANCE.
Published Aug 26, 2026 · Updated Sep 26, 2026