14:47 21-09-2025

Fresh Towel Care: Simple Tips to Remove Musty Odors

Generated by Dall-e

Learn how to remove musty odors from towels with baking soda, citric acid, and proper drying. Simple tips to keep your towels fresh, clean, and long-lasting.

Fresh out of the wash, but still smelling musty? The problem isn’t the fabric itself—it’s hidden in leftover detergent, poor washing habits, and bacteria lingering in the fibers. Here’s how to bring your towels back to life.

Pre-Soak Before Washing

A quick cycle at low temperature won’t kill bacteria. To get towels truly clean, soak them for 30–60 minutes in hot water with two tablespoons of baking soda per basin of water.

Baking soda breaks down grease and detergent residue, while also removing old odors. For this to work, the water temperature must be above 60 °C—only then will bacteria in the fabric fibers be eliminated.

Skip the Fabric Softener

Fabric softener leaves a coating on the fibers, trapping moisture and odor, while preventing detergent from working effectively.

Instead, add a teaspoon of citric acid to the softener compartment. It naturally neutralizes smells, softens the water, and leaves a subtle freshness without clogging the fibers.

Towels Must Dry Completely

Even slightly damp towels create the perfect environment for mold and mildew. To prevent this:

• make sure they are fully dry before folding,
• keep storage areas ventilated,
• avoid stacking them too tightly so the fabric can «breathe».

Aspirin Against Odor

If the smell still returns, try adding two crushed aspirin tablets to the wash once a month. Aspirin penetrates deep into the fibers, neutralizes odors, and helps towels stay fresher for longer.

Why This Matters

Towels absorb moisture, sweat, skincare products, and body oils. When washed incorrectly, they become a breeding ground for bacteria.

To keep them fresh and hygienic:

• change every 3–5 days,
• don’t let dirty towels pile up in the basket,
• ensure they dry fully,
• wash at high temperatures and soak when needed.

A stubborn odor is a sign your towels need extra care. Baking soda, citric acid, and ditching fabric softener can restore their freshness, while proper drying and regular washing will extend their lifespan.