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How to Get Rid of Smell in Towels: Step-by-Step Guide

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 19, 2025

Eliminate towel odors easily with our step-by-step guide. Discover how E-Cloth makes fresh, clean towels simple and effective.

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How to Get Rid of Smell in Towels

Tools:

- E-Cloth
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Laundry detergent
- Dryer or access to direct sunlight

Step 1: Pre-Treatment with Vinegar

Fill your washer or a large basin with enough warm water to submerge the towels.
Add one cup of distilled white vinegar (no detergent yet) and let the towels soak for one hour. This helps break down residue and neutralize odors.

Step 2: Wash with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Place the soaked towels into your washing machine.
Add half a cup of baking soda along with your regular detergent. For extra boost, pour another cup of white vinegar into the fabric softener compartment.
Run the wash cycle on hot, if the fabric care labels allow. Hot water helps to kill bacteria and remove trapped smells.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

After the wash cycle, run an extra rinse cycle to ensure no vinegar or baking soda residue remains.
Shake out the towels and dry them completely in a dryer or hang them in direct sunlight. A thorough, well-ventilated dry is crucial to keep mildew and odors at bay.

Safety Precautions

Check care labels: Always verify towel fabric care instructions before using hot water or any cleaning agents.
Ventilation: Ensure the laundry area is well-ventilated when using vinegar and baking soda to avoid inhaling strong fumes.
Do not mix vinegar and bleach: Never combine vinegar with chlorine bleach, as this produces toxic chlorine gas.
Skin protection: If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves when handling vinegar or baking soda to prevent irritation.
Proper drying: Make sure towels are completely dry before storing to prevent mold and mildew growth.

How to Maintain Cleanliness How to Get Rid of Smell in Towels: Extra Tips

Pre-Treat with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Soak smelly towels in warm water with a cup of white vinegar for 30 minutes to neutralize odors.
Add half a cup of baking soda to your regular detergent during washing to boost cleaning power.
This simple pre-treatment helps break down mineral build-up and lingering bacteria.

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Use Hot Water and the Right Detergent

Wash towels in the hottest water possible, as heat helps kill odor-causing bacteria.
Choose a detergent that is strong on odors but gentle on fabric.
Avoid using too much detergent to prevent build-up that can trap smells.

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Ensure Thorough Drying

Dry towels immediately after washing to prevent dampness that leads to mildew.
If machine drying, make sure towels are completely dry before folding and storing.
Whenever possible, line dry under the sun to naturally disinfect and refresh your towels.

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Regular Maintenance and Storage

Wash towels after every 3-4 uses to prevent odor build-up over time.
Store towels in a well-ventilated area rather than a confined, humid space.
Periodically shake them out before storing to remove any trapped moisture.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning How to Get Rid of Smell in Towels

Skipping the Decluttering Step

Jumping straight to cleaning without removing clutter can make the process less effective and far more time-consuming.
Lingering clutter collects dust and makes it difficult to clean properly around and under items.
Set aside a few minutes to declutter first for a much more efficient cleaning session.

Cleaning in a Random Order

Without a top-to-bottom approach, dust and debris can fall onto areas you've already cleaned, doubling your workload.
Haphazard cleaning leads to missed spots and wasted energy.
Plan your path before starting to ensure every area is covered efficiently.

Using Too Many Specialized Products

Relying on a different cleaner for every surface creates unnecessary clutter and confusion.
Swapping between products slows you down and increases cleanup time afterward.
Opt for a high-quality multi-purpose cleaner for most jobs, supplementing with specialized products only when truly necessary.

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How Often to Clean How to Get Rid of Smell in Towels

The Right Towel Cleaning Frequency

Every 3–4 Uses: Towels can quickly become a moist haven for bacteria and mildew. Washing them every three to four uses helps prevent those unwanted smells from setting in.
Once a Week for Daily Users: If you use the same towel daily, a weekly wash is typically sufficient. This routine keeps odors at bay and maintains the fresh feel and functionality of the fabric.
After Heavy Use: If you've just hit the gym or had a particularly sweaty day, toss that towel in the wash immediately. Extra moisture and sweat can amplify odor-causing bacteria.
Mind the Environment: In humid climates or during warmer months, even regular use might warrant more frequent laundering since moisture accelerates bacteria and mildew growth.

Why This Frequency Works

Stops Odor Buildup: Frequent laundering removes bodily oils, sweat, and dead skin cells that serve as food for odor-causing microbes.
Prevents Bacterial and Mold Growth: Regular cleaning minimizes the chance for bacteria and mold to set up shop on damp fabric, keeping your towels smelling fresh and looking clean.
Extends Towel Life: By washing towels regularly and allowing them to dry completely between uses, you not only maintain hygiene but also preserve the fabric's absorbency and durability.
Promotes Better Health: Clean towels reduce the risk of skin irritations and infections by eliminating a breeding ground for harmful microbes.

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