howto.org.in

How to Remove Mildew Smell from Towels

Learn how to remove mildew smell from towels with hot water, vinegar, baking soda, proper drying, mistakes, troubleshooting, and FAQs.

Home & RepairsEdited by Pramod Tiwari
2 min read

Quick Answer

To remove mildew smell from towels, wash them hot if the care label allows, use vinegar in one cycle, baking soda in another if needed, avoid fabric softener, and dry completely right away.

Tools and Materials

  • Smelly towels
  • Washing machine
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Detergent
  • Dryer or sunny drying area

Safety Precautions

  • Check towel care labels before using hot water.
  • Do not mix vinegar with bleach.
  • Avoid overloading the washer.
  • Dry towels completely before folding.
  • Clean the washer if smells keep returning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Separate towels

    Wash smelly towels separately from regular laundry.

  2. Step 2

    Use hot water if allowed

    Choose the warmest water safe for the towel fabric.

  3. Step 3

    Run vinegar wash

    Wash with white vinegar and no fabric softener.

  4. Step 4

    Run baking soda wash if needed

    If odor remains, wash again with baking soda.

  5. Step 5

    Use detergent normally

    Use the right amount of detergent, not extra.

  6. Step 6

    Dry completely

    Dry towels immediately and fully.

  7. Step 7

    Prevent return

    Hang towels spread out after use and avoid leaving wet towels in piles.

Practical Example

Example: You wash sour-smelling towels with hot water and vinegar, run a second baking soda cycle, then dry them fully before folding.

Common Mistakes

  • Using too much detergent
  • Adding fabric softener
  • Leaving towels in the washer
  • Folding while damp
  • Overloading the washer
  • Mixing vinegar and bleach

Troubleshooting

Smell remains

Run a second cycle with baking soda and clean the washer drum.

Towels feel waxy

Stop using fabric softener and strip buildup with repeated proper washing.

Washer smells too

Run a washer cleaning cycle and leave the door open to dry.

Towels dry slowly

Use smaller loads and make sure dryer lint trap and vents are clear.

FAQs

Why do towels smell like mildew?

They stayed damp too long or have detergent, softener, or washer buildup.

Can I use vinegar and baking soda together?

Use them in separate cycles for better effect.

Should I use fabric softener on towels?

Avoid it because buildup can trap odors and reduce absorbency.

How do I prevent towel odor?

Hang towels to dry fully after each use and wash them before odor builds.

Home & Repairs2 min read

How to Shrink a Shirt

Learn how to shrink a shirt safely by fabric type, use hot water and dryer heat carefully, avoid damage, troubleshoot uneven shrinking, and use FAQs.

Help us improve this guide

Tell us about an outdated instruction, unclear step, broken link or safety concern. Do not include passwords, account numbers, medical records or other sensitive information.

Email a correction or suggestion