You have just taken your towels out of the washing machine, yet instead of smelling fresh and clean, they have a musty or damp odour. Sometimes, the smell only appears after a shower, as soon as the towel gets wet again.
The first reaction is often to add more detergent to the next wash. However, a towel that smells bad is not necessarily a towel that has been washed incorrectly.
Moisture trapped in the fibres, slow drying, product build-up or even the washing machine itself can all explain why an unpleasant odour remains after washing.
Why Can a Towel Smell Bad Even After Washing?
Towels naturally absorb a large amount of water. After a shower or bath, they therefore remain damp for a certain amount of time before drying completely.
If this moisture remains for too long, if the towel is left in a pile or if it dries in a poorly ventilated environment, unpleasant odours can develop.
However, drying is not always the problem. Before washing your towels over and over again, it is worth identifying the actual cause.
1. Your Towel Stays Damp for Too Long After a Shower
After use, leaving a damp towel in a pile on the floor, on the bed or in a laundry basket is not ideal.
Moisture can then remain trapped in the fabric for longer. A thick towel or one folded over itself may also take more time to dry completely.
After each use, hang your towel so that air can circulate around the fabric. This will help it dry more effectively before you use it again.
2. You May Be Leaving Your Laundry in the Washing Machine for Too Long
The cycle has finished, but your towels stay in the drum for several hours? This habit can encourage a damp, musty smell to develop.
At the end of the wash, towels still contain a significant amount of moisture. Inside a closed drum, they remain together in a damp environment with very little air circulation.
Try to remove your bath linen from the washing machine as soon as possible after the programme has finished and start drying it promptly.
3. Your Towels May Not Be Drying Completely
A towel can feel dry on the surface while some areas still contain moisture, particularly if it is thick or has been folded over a drying rack.
Before storing your towels in a cupboard, make sure they are completely dry.
Storing laundry that is still slightly damp in an enclosed space can encourage musty odours to develop.
4. Too Much Detergent Can Also Be a Problem
When a towel smells unpleasant, adding more detergent may seem logical. However, using more product does not necessarily result in a better wash.
If too much detergent is used or the rinse is not effective enough, residues may remain in the fibres.
Over repeated washes, this build-up can affect the fabric. It is therefore better to follow the recommended detergent dosage, taking into account the amount of laundry, how dirty it is and the hardness of your water.
5. Can Fabric Softener Contribute to Unpleasant Odours?
Fabric softener is often used to add fragrance and make laundry feel softer. However, using too much is not necessarily beneficial for your towels.
Some fabric softeners leave substances on the fibres. When used excessively or repeatedly, these residues can build up over time.
They may also affect the absorbency of the fabric. For your bath linen, always follow the recommended dosage and the instructions on the care label.
6. The Problem May Be Your Washing Machine
If different types of laundry regularly come out of the machine with an unpleasant smell, it may be worth checking your washing machine rather than focusing only on your towels.
Product residue, moisture or dirt can build up in certain parts of the machine over time.
Follow the appliance manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and maintenance. In particular, check the accessible components that are designed to be cleaned or maintained according to your washing machine model.
7. Why Does the Smell Come Back When the Towel Gets Wet?
This can be particularly frustrating: your towel seems to smell fine when it is dry, but an unpleasant odour returns as soon as you use it.
In this case, it can be useful to review your entire laundry routine: product dosage, rinsing, complete drying, storage and washing machine maintenance.
Simply adding fragrance or more detergent may temporarily mask an odour without necessarily addressing its cause.
Does a Smelly Towel Need to Be Replaced?
Not necessarily. An unpleasant smell does not automatically mean that your towel has reached the end of its useful life.
Before replacing it, start by reviewing your washing, drying and storage habits. A towel that is still in good condition may return to a neutral smell once the cause of the problem has been corrected.
For more advice on caring for your bath linen, take a look at our bath linen care guide.
If you would like to refresh your bath linen, explore our Carré Blanc bath towel collection, with different sizes and materials to suit your needs and preferred level of comfort.
How Can You Remove the Smell Without Damaging Your Towels?
Immediately washing them again at a high temperature, doubling the amount of detergent or using multiple household products is not necessarily the right solution.
The best approach depends first and foremost on what is causing the odour. A towel that has not dried properly, product build-up and a washing machine that needs cleaning do not necessarily require the same solution.
How Can You Remove Unpleasant Odours from Towels After Washing?
Once you have identified the cause, a few changes to your washing and drying routine may be enough to prevent musty odours from returning.
The aim is not to use more products or systematically wash at a higher temperature, but to make sure your towels are properly washed, rinsed and then completely dried.
8. Don't Leave Damp Towels Sitting Around Before Washing
After a shower, avoid putting a damp towel directly into the laundry basket, especially if you are not planning to run a wash immediately.
When left in a pile or mixed with other laundry, it can remain damp for a long time and develop a musty smell before it even reaches the washing machine.
If you are not washing your towel straight away, allow it to dry properly in a well-ventilated area before placing it in the laundry basket.
9. Don't Overload the Washing Machine
Towels take up a lot of space in the drum, particularly as they absorb water during the wash cycle.
An overloaded washing machine can restrict the movement of the laundry and make washing and rinsing less effective.
Avoid packing as many towels as possible into a single load. Follow the capacity and recommendations provided by your washing machine manufacturer.
10. Use the Right Amount of Detergent
A towel that smells bad does not automatically need more detergent. Using too much can actually encourage residue to remain in the fibres if the detergent is not properly removed during rinsing.
Follow the dosage recommended by your detergent manufacturer, taking into account the amount of laundry, how dirty it is and the hardness of your water.
Using twice as much detergent does not mean your towels will be twice as clean.
11. Should You Avoid Fabric Softener on Towels?
Fabric softener can make laundry feel softer and add fragrance, but excessive or repeated use may leave deposits on the fibres and affect the absorbency of the fabric.
If you use fabric softener, follow the recommended dosage and always check the instructions on the care label of your bath linen.
A strongly scented towel is not necessarily a cleaner towel: fragrance may temporarily mask an unpleasant smell without removing its cause.
12. What Temperature Should You Use to Wash Smelly Towels?
There is no single washing temperature that is suitable for every towel.
The maximum temperature depends on factors such as the material, colours, finishes and the manufacturer's recommendations. Before selecting a programme, always check the towel's care label.
Simply increasing the temperature is therefore not the answer to every unpleasant odour. Using the right amount of detergent, rinsing properly and, above all, drying the towel completely are also important.
For Carré Blanc's general recommendations, take a look at our bath linen care guide.
13. Remove Towels Promptly When the Wash Cycle Ends
Once the programme has finished, avoid leaving wet towels inside the closed drum for several hours whenever possible.
Remove them from the washing machine as soon as possible, give them a gentle shake and hang them in a way that allows air to circulate around the fabric.
If you use a tumble dryer, first check the care label to make sure your towel can be tumble-dried and under which conditions.
14. Let Towels Dry Completely Before Storing Them
This is one of the most important steps for preventing musty odours.
A towel that is still slightly damp should not be folded and placed directly into a cupboard. Once stored in an enclosed space, any remaining moisture has difficulty escaping.
When air-drying your towels, leave enough space between them and avoid overlapping them. The more easily air can circulate around the fabric, the more effectively it can dry.
Before folding a towel, make sure it is completely dry throughout.
15. Think About Where You Store Your Towels
Sometimes the problem can develop after washing and drying.
If completely dry towels are stored in a damp or poorly ventilated space, they may gradually develop a musty smell.
Store clean, dry bath linen in a dry area and avoid mixing clean towels with laundry that is still damp.
16. Clean and Maintain Your Washing Machine Regularly
If your towels regularly come out of the wash with an unpleasant smell despite good drying habits, it may also be worth checking your washing machine.
Depending on the model, certain areas can retain moisture or accumulate residue over time.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the drum and any accessible components designed to be maintained. Recommendations may vary from one appliance to another.
Does White Vinegar Remove Unpleasant Odours from Towels?
White vinegar is often presented online as a miracle solution for towels that smell bad. However, it is better to take a cautious approach.
Using vinegar should not replace proper washing, the correct detergent dosage and complete drying. It may also not be suitable for every fabric or every washing machine.
Before using vinegar or another household product in your washing machine, check the appliance manufacturer's recommendations as well as the care instructions for your towels.
Avoid mixing different household cleaning products in an attempt to achieve a more powerful clean.
What About Baking Soda?
Baking soda is another frequently suggested household remedy for neutralising laundry odours.
However, it is not a universal solution. If your towels smell because they have not dried properly, because too much detergent has been used or because your washing machine needs maintenance, the priority is to address the underlying cause.
Using multiple products is therefore not necessarily the best way to make your towels pleasant to use again.
How Can You Prevent Unpleasant Odours from Coming Back?
A good routine mainly comes down to a few simple habits: do not leave damp towels in a pile, avoid overloading the washing machine, use the appropriate amount of detergent, remove laundry promptly after the cycle and allow towels to dry completely before storing them.
These habits can also help preserve the comfort and qualities of your bath linen for longer.
To complete your bath linen collection, explore our Carré Blanc bath towel collection, as well as the Solara cotton and bamboo viscose bath towel.
How Can You Prevent Unpleasant Odours from Returning to Your Towels?
A towel that smells fresh when it comes out of the washing machine can start to smell musty again after just a few uses if it regularly stays damp or takes too long to dry.
To prevent the problem from returning, it is important to consider your entire routine: after your shower, before washing, during the wash, while drying and when storing your towels.
17. Let Your Towel Dry After Every Use
After a shower or bath, avoid leaving your towel in a pile on the floor, on the bed or in a laundry basket.
Hang it so that air can circulate around the fabric. If several towels are hanging in the bathroom, avoid overlapping them whenever possible.
Good ventilation in the room can also help towels dry more effectively, particularly in a bathroom where humidity remains high after a shower.
18. Never Store a Towel While It Is Still Damp
Before folding your bath linen, make sure it is completely dry. A slightly damp towel stored in a cupboard may gradually develop a musty smell.
This is particularly worth checking with thicker towels, as the surface may feel dry while some parts of the fabric still contain moisture.
Always wait until your towels are completely dry before folding and storing them.
19. Adjust How Often You Wash Your Towels According to Use
There is no single washing frequency that is suitable for every situation. It depends on factors such as how often the towel is used, how well it dries between uses and the conditions in your bathroom.
A towel that dries quickly and completely between showers is not exposed to the same conditions as one that remains damp for several hours.
If an unpleasant smell develops, do not wait until it becomes particularly strong before washing the towel.
20. Know the Difference Between an Occasional Odour and a Recurring Problem
A towel accidentally left damp in the washing machine may occasionally develop a musty smell. However, if all your towels regularly have the same unpleasant odour despite being properly washed and dried, look for a common cause.
Ask yourself a few simple questions: are the towels drying completely? Are you using too much detergent or fabric softener? Is the washing machine drum often overloaded? Does the laundry stay in the machine for a long time after the cycle? Is the washing machine being maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations?
This approach helps you identify the cause rather than simply masking the smell with more fragranced products.
When Should You Replace a Bath Towel?
An unpleasant smell does not automatically mean that a towel needs to be thrown away or replaced.
There is no universal lifespan for a bath towel. How long it lasts depends on its quality, how often it is used, how it is cared for and its overall condition.
However, you may consider replacing your bath linen when the fabric is heavily worn, the fibres are significantly deteriorated, the towel no longer provides the comfort or absorbency you are looking for, or its condition no longer meets your needs despite appropriate care.
If you would like to refresh your bath linen, explore our Carré Blanc bath towel collection and our guide to choosing your bath linen.
FAQ: Towels That Smell Bad After Washing
Why Do My Towels Smell Bad When They Come Out of the Washing Machine?
There are several possible causes: the towels may have remained damp for too long before or after washing, the drum may have been overloaded, product residue may remain in the fibres, or the washing machine itself may need cleaning.
If the problem regularly affects different types of laundry, also check that your washing machine is being maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Why Does My Towel Smell Fresh After Washing but Bad After a Shower?
If the smell mainly appears when the towel becomes damp again, start by reviewing your entire laundry routine.
Insufficient drying, product build-up or damp storage conditions may all contribute to the problem. Rather than adding more fragrance or detergent, first try to identify the underlying cause.
Why Do My Towels Smell Musty in the Cupboard?
First, make sure they are completely dry before storing them. You should also check that the storage area itself is not damp or poorly ventilated.
Avoid storing laundry that is still slightly damp alongside clean, dry towels.
Does Using More Detergent Remove Unpleasant Odours?
No, increasing the amount of detergent is not automatically more effective. Using too much may actually leave more residue behind if the product is not sufficiently removed during rinsing.
Follow the dosage recommended by the detergent manufacturer according to the amount of laundry, how dirty it is and the hardness of your water.
Should You Wash Towels at a High Temperature to Remove Odours?
Not necessarily. The appropriate temperature depends on the fabric and the instructions on its care label.
A higher temperature does not replace the correct detergent dosage, effective rinsing and complete drying. Always follow the care instructions for your bath linen.
Can You Use White Vinegar for Towels That Smell Bad?
White vinegar is frequently recommended in online laundry tips, but it should not be considered a universal solution.
Before using it in your washing machine, check the appliance manufacturer's recommendations and the care instructions for your towels. You should also avoid mixing different household cleaning products.
Why Do My Towels Smell Bad Even Though My Washing Machine Seems Clean?
The washing machine is only one possible cause. The problem can also develop before or after washing: a towel may have been left damp in the laundry basket, the detergent dosage may be unsuitable, drying may be too slow or the towel may have been stored before it was completely dry.
Try looking at the towel's entire journey, from use through to storage.
How Can You Keep Towels Pleasant for Longer?
Follow the care label, use the appropriate amount of laundry products, avoid overloading the washing machine, remove laundry promptly after the cycle and always allow towels to dry completely.
You can find more advice in our bath linen care guide.
Fresh Towels Start with a Good Care Routine
If a towel smells bad after washing, adding more detergent is not necessarily the solution. The problem may be caused by moisture, drying conditions, product build-up, storage or even washing machine maintenance.
The most important step is to identify the cause and adopt a few simple habits: let towels dry after every use, use the correct amount of laundry products, avoid overloading the washing machine, remove laundry promptly after the cycle and only store towels once they are completely dry.
For more advice, take a look at our bath linen care guide or explore our Carré Blanc bath towel collection.
