You wash your towels, dry them, fold them, and the first time you use one it smells musty again. If your towels smell after washing, it doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t getting clean.
Moisture that lingers in the fabric, extra detergent or softener, an overloaded washer and buildup inside the machine can all play a role. Here’s how to figure out what’s causing it, what to change first, and when the washer itself is the problem.
The short answer: for the next load, measure your detergent, go light on or skip the softener, don’t pack the washer tightly, and dry the towels completely before you fold them.
Why towels smell after washing
1They aren’t drying completely
Moisture is one of the biggest factors. A review of laundry hygiene and odor control in Applied and Environmental Microbiology says microorganisms can increase in number during slow air drying, while dry heat from a dryer can significantly reduce them. Loma Linda University Health adds that a damp towel can provide conditions that allow microorganisms to multiply, and advises spreading towels out fully with plenty of airflow rather than folding them or leaving them in a pile.
It’s the same reason a kitchen sponge gets funky. See why your sponge smells.
2You’re using more detergent than you need
More soap doesn’t mean cleaner towels. The American Cleaning Institute says excess suds are not as easily rinsed away, which can lead to residue buildup and, over time, unpleasant odors. It says to use the recommended amount for your load size and soil level. A University of Wisconsin housing laundry guide puts it plainly: many people use too much detergent.
3Too much fabric softener can contribute to buildup
Fabric softener works by depositing conditioning ingredients on fabric. Using more than directed can contribute to buildup, and towels are one place you may notice it. ACI’s softener guide says the key to soft towels that still work well is using the right amount, and that excess softener or hard water can build up in the machine, so it suggests cleaning the dispenser and running an empty hot wash with a washer cleaner. University of Idaho Extension also says too much softener may decrease absorbency and suggests leaving it out now and then. Follow the product directions rather than adding extra.
4The washer itself needs cleaning
The review above says washing machines are believed to be a significant source of the bacteria and fungi that cause laundry odors. If every load comes out smelling off, check the machine. If only your towels smell and your other laundry doesn’t, start with the towels’ drying, detergent, softener and load conditions before assuming the washer is the culprit. Leave the door open after use, as the University of Wisconsin housing guide suggests, and see whether your washer has mold with our guide to is your washing machine growing mold.
5The load is too big, or the wash isn’t right for the towels
Overloading can interfere with washi
