5 Genius Ways to Get the Smell Out of Towels (That Actually Work)

5 Genius Ways to Get the Smell Out of Towels (That Actually Work)

You know that moment when you grab a “freshly washed” towel, press it to your face, and—bam—it smells like a wet dog wearing a gym sock? 😩 Yeah, same. No one deserves to step out of a relaxing shower only to be smacked by that musty, sour towel funk.

But here’s the thing: it’s not your fault (well, not entirely). Towels love to trap moisture, detergent residue, and bacteria, all of which combine to create that delightful “eau de mildew” scent. The good news? You don’t have to throw them away or spend a fortune replacing your entire towel stash.

Today, I’m spilling 5 genius (and actually effective) ways to get the smell out of towels—methods that I’ve personally tested and swear by. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill “just use vinegar” tips (because, let’s be real, not everyone loves that smell either 😅). We’re going beyond the obvious—because you deserve fresh, fluffy, spa-worthy towels, every single time.

1. The Baking Soda + Hot Water Method (Simple but Magical)

If your towels smell funky, baking soda should be your new best friend. It’s basically the Swiss Army knife of cleaning—cheap, safe, and ridiculously effective.

Why it works:

Baking soda neutralizes odors, dissolves detergent buildup, and helps strip away funky bacteria hiding in your towel fibers.

How to do it:

1. Run your washing machine on a hot water cycle (as hot as your towels can handle).
2. Add ½ cup of baking soda—no detergent yet.
3. Let the cycle finish completely.
4. Immediately transfer towels to the dryer (or hang them in direct sunlight—more on that later).

Pro Tip: If the smell is extra stubborn, follow with a second wash using your regular detergent. Sometimes those towels need a double cleanse, kind of like your face after a long day. 😅

Ever wondered why this works so well? It’s because baking soda balances pH and loosens that gross residue your detergent leaves behind. Think of it as your towel’s detox day.

2. Lemon Juice Rinse (Fresh Towels, Citrus Vibes 🍋)

If you’ve been avoiding vinegar because of the smell, lemon juice is your hero. It’s natural, smells amazing, and has antibacterial properties that wipe out odor-causing microbes.

What you’ll need:

• Juice of 2–3 fresh lemons (or ¼ cup bottled lemon juice)
• Your regular laundry detergent
• Optional: a few drops of lemon essential oil for that spa-fresh scent

How to use it:

1. Start a normal wash cycle using warm or hot water.
2. Add your detergent as usual.
3. Pour the lemon juice directly into the drum or fabric softener dispenser.
4. Wash and dry as usual.

You’ll be shocked at how fresh your towels smell—no vinegar stink, no chemicals, just clean, bright fabric that actually smells clean.

FYI: Lemon juice also helps whiten dull towels. So if your once-white towels now look like they’ve been used to mop a floor, this trick gives them new life.

3. Sunshine & Fresh Air: The Natural Deodorizer ☀️

Okay, this one might sound too simple to be genius, but trust me—it’s powerful.

Ever noticed how clothes dried in the sun smell different (better) than those from the dryer? That’s because sunlight has natural antibacterial and deodorizing properties. Basically, it’s like Mother Nature’s free disinfectant.

How to do it right:

• After washing, shake out your towels to fluff them up.
• Hang them outside in direct sunlight—preferably early in the day when the sun is strong.
• Make sure they’re spread flat or hung loosely, so air can circulate through the fibers.

Even 30–60 minutes of sunlight can zap odors and kill the bacteria that cause that lingering mildew smell.

Bonus: Sun-dried towels have that crisp, clean texture that makes you feel like you’re in a beach house commercial. (Though, IMO, they can get a bit stiff—just toss them in the dryer for 5 minutes after drying to soften them up.)

4. Deep Clean with Oxygen Bleach (No Harsh Chemicals Needed)

When towels cross over into “is this smell permanent?” territory, it’s time for the big guns—oxygen bleach (like OxiClean or a natural brand alternative).

Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is color-safe and gentler on fabrics while still kicking bacteria’s butt.

Here’s what to do:

1. Fill your washer with hot water.
2. Add the recommended amount of oxygen bleach (check the label).
3. Toss in your smelly towels.
4. Let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour before running the full cycle.

That’s it. You’ll pull out towels that actually smell like nothing—which is exactly what clean should smell like.

Why it works: Oxygen bleach uses hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning power to lift out stains, residues, and the funk-causing gunk that’s built up in towel fibers.

Quick tip: Avoid using it every single wash—it’s strong stuff. Once a month is usually enough to keep things fresh and sanitized.

5. Fix the Root Problem: Your Washing Machine 😬

Real talk? Sometimes the problem isn’t your towels—it’s your washing machine. Yep, that innocent-looking appliance might be the reason your towels smell musty even after washing.

Washing machines build up detergent residue, lint, and mildew over time, especially in front-loaders. That grime ends up re-depositing onto your towels every wash. Gross, right?

How to clean it:

1. Run an empty hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar (this is one time vinegar is your friend).
2. Wipe down the drum, rubber seals, and detergent tray with a cloth soaked in hot water and baking soda.
3. Run a second rinse cycle with ½ cup of baking soda to neutralize any leftover smell.

Pro Tip: Keep your washer door open between loads to let it dry out. Moisture = mildew, and mildew = stinky towels.

Once your machine is clean, even your regular laundry routine will work better. It’s like resetting your system.

Bonus Tip: Dry Towels the Right Way (This Part Matters More Than You Think)

Even if you wash perfectly, improper drying ruins everything. Towels that stay damp for too long are basically bacteria buffets.

Here’s what I always do (and recommend):

• Dry immediately after washing. Don’t let them sit in the washer “for later.” (We’ve all done it, and we’ve all regretted it.)
• Use high heat in the dryer or air dry in full sun.
• Make sure towels are 100% dry before folding or storing.
• If possible, store them in a well-ventilated area—not stuffed in a closet corner.

And yes, you can toss in a few wool dryer balls with a drop of essential oil for that cozy, just-washed scent. Lavender or eucalyptus are my go-tos.

Common Mistakes That Make Towels Smell (Even After Washing)

Sometimes it’s not about what you’re not doing—it’s about what you’re doing wrong. Let’s fix that:

• Too much detergent: More soap ≠ cleaner towels. In fact, extra detergent just builds up and traps odors.
• Skipping hot water: Warm or cold cycles might not kill bacteria. Use hot water whenever possible.
• Overloading the washer: Towels need space to move. Cramming them in just leads to poor rinsing.
• Using fabric softener: I know, it smells good—but it coats fibers and locks in odor. Try vinegar or baking soda instead.

Cut these habits, and you’ll instantly notice a difference.

So, Which Method Works Best?

Honestly, it depends on how bad the smell is and how often you wash your towels.

• Light funk? Lemon juice or baking soda will do the trick.
• Heavy-duty stink? Oxygen bleach or a deep clean combo (baking soda + hot water).
• Constant musty smell? Check your washing machine—it’s probably the real villain here.

Personally, I rotate between the baking soda wash and sun-drying method every few weeks. It keeps my towels fresh without extra effort—and who doesn’t love a little natural sunshine cleaning?

Final Thoughts: Fresh Towels = Fresh Start 🧺

Let’s be honest—nothing beats wrapping yourself in a fluffy, clean-smelling towel after a shower. It’s one of those small joys that instantly makes life feel a little more put together.

With these five genius ways to get the smell out of towels, you’ll never have to deal with that musty funk again. Plus, you’ll save money (and your sanity) by rescuing your current towels instead of replacing them.

So go ahead—grab that baking soda, squeeze those lemons, and let the sunshine work its magic. Your towels will thank you (and so will anyone who borrows one 😉).