How to Remove Mildew Smell from Towels

That musty smell means bacteria and/or mildew have colonised your towels. Here's how to eliminate it.

Understanding the Problem

The smell comes from:

  • Bacteria producing waste compounds
  • Mildew (fungal) growth
  • Both thriving in damp conditions

Simply rewashing with detergent often doesn't work because the organisms are embedded in fibres.

Method 1: Hot Vinegar Wash (Mild Cases)

For towels that are slightly musty.

What You Need

  • White vinegar
  • Hot water capability
  • Normal detergent

Steps

  1. Wash with vinegar only
  • Hottest water safe for towels (60°C ideal)
  • Add 2 cups white vinegar directly to drum
  • NO detergent this cycle
  • Full wash cycle
  1. Second wash with detergent
  • Normal detergent amount
  • Hot water again
  • Full cycle
  1. Dry immediately and completely
  • Tumble dry if possible
  • High heat for cotton
  • Don't leave damp

Method 2: Baking Soda + Vinegar (Moderate Cases)

For persistent odour.

Steps

  1. Baking soda wash
  • 1/2 cup baking soda in drum
  • Hot water, no detergent
  • Full cycle
  1. Vinegar wash
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • Hot water, no detergent
  • Full cycle
  1. Detergent wash
  • Normal detergent
  • Hot water
  • Extra rinse
  1. Dry completely

Note: Don't mix baking soda and vinegar in the same cycle - they neutralise each other.

Method 3: Laundry Stripping (Severe Cases)

For deeply embedded smell that won't shift.

What You Need

  • Bathtub or large container
  • 1/4 cup borax
  • 1/4 cup washing soda
  • 1/2 cup laundry detergent
  • Very hot water

Steps

  1. Fill tub with hottest tap water
  2. Add borax, washing soda, and detergent
  3. Stir to dissolve
  4. Add towels, submerge fully
  5. Soak 4-6 hours (water will turn grey/brown)
  6. Drain, wring towels
  7. Wash normally (no extra detergent)
  8. Dry completely

See our complete stripping guide.

Method 4: Oxygen Bleach (Alternative)

Steps

  1. Dissolve oxygen bleach (OxiClean) in hot water
  2. Soak towels 1-2 hours
  3. Wash with detergent
  4. Dry completely

Safe for colours.

When to Give Up

Replace towels if:

  • Smell returns within 1-2 uses after treatment
  • Multiple stripping attempts fail
  • Visible mildew staining won't remove
  • Towels are old anyway

Prevention

  • Dry towels completely between uses
  • Wash before smell develops
  • Don't leave wet towels bunched
  • Ensure bathroom ventilation

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