A towel stinks because bacteria and mildew grow in damp fabric. Wash it hot, dry it fully, and don’t leave it bunched wet.
Why
Damp fabric grows bacteria and mildew, which make odor. It also traps body oils and skin cells.
Causes
- Not drying fully.
- Hanging in a damp bathroom.
- Too much detergent or fabric softener.
- Overloaded washer.
Fix
- Wash hot (140°F) with 1 cup of white vinegar, then again with baking soda.
- Dry fully.
- Hang in an airy spot.
Prevention
Replace towels every 2 to 3 years.
Why towels smell
Towel odor is caused by bacteria and mold growing in damp fabric, with fabric softener buildup and detergent residue trapping odor. Towels left wet or stacked while damp can start to smell within hours, because bacteria multiply in moisture. Common culprits include Micrococcus and Klebsiella.
- Fabric softener coats fibers and reduces absorbency, which holds moisture.
- Using too much detergent leaves residue.
- Washing at low temperatures does not kill odor-causing bacteria.
Fix and prevention
Wash towels on hot (60 C or 140 F if the care label allows) with a half cup of white vinegar, then run another cycle with a half cup of baking soda. Skip fabric softener. Hang towels to dry fully after each use, wash every 3 to 4 uses, and dry completely in the dryer. Leave the washer door ajar. Use less detergent in high-efficiency machines.
Why towels smell
Towels stay damp, allowing bacteria and mildew to grow, especially in humid rooms. Fabric softener builds residue, and overloading the washer prevents cleaning.
Fix and prevention
Wash on hot, with detergent and a cup of white vinegar, then a second cycle with baking soda. Dry completely and hang after use. Avoid softener.
Microbes and laundry practices
A damp towel provides conditions for bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas, as well as mold. A study at the University of Arizona found that towels used for a week carried bacteria including E. coli in some cases. Overloading the washer, using too much detergent or softener and drying slowly lead to sour smell.
Remedy and prevention
Wash towels at 140 F with a half cup of white vinegar, then a second cycle with half a cup of baking soda. Use less detergent. Dry fully and hang in an airy place. Replace towels after 2 to 3 years. Wash every 3 uses. Clean the washer drum monthly.
Based on data from Consumer Reports and the American Cleaning Institute
