How to Remove Mildew Smell from Towels: Step-by-Step Guide

Nothing ruins the comfort of a fresh towel quite like that damp, musty smell that lingers even after washing. If you’ve ever pulled a towel from the laundry only to catch a whiff of mildew, the fix is simpler than you might think — this guide walks through the most effective methods to remove mildew odor, compares vinegar and baking soda approaches, and explains how to keep towels smelling clean for good.

White vinegar per load: 1 cup (240 ml) ·
Baking soda per load: 1/2 cup (120 g) ·
Recommended deep clean frequency: Monthly ·
Water temperature: Hot (140°F recommended)

Can mildew be washed out of towels?

Why mildew persists even after washing

• Mildew can be washed out with the proper method—hot water, vinegar, baking soda, or oxygen bleach (Speed Queen (washer manufacturer)).
• Failure often comes from insufficient heat, using too much detergent, or skipping the second rinse (Clean Mama (cleaning expert blog)).
• Drying fully is critical: wet towels left in the hamper allow bacteria to grow (Speed Queen).

Factors that affect removability

• Fabric type: cotton and cotton-poly blends respond best; microfiber may require lower temperatures.
• Detergent and fabric softener buildup reduces absorbency and locks in odor (Speed Queen).
• Water hardness: mineral deposits can interfere with cleaning; add a water softener if needed.

The pattern: if odor persists despite using hot water and additives, the washing machine itself is often the hidden source of recontamination.

Is it better to wash towels with vinegar or baking soda?

How vinegar works to neutralize odors

• Vinegar (acetic acid) neutralizes alkaline mildew compounds, chemically breaking down the source of the smell (Weezie Towels (specialty laundry brand)).
• Use 1 cup of white vinegar added to the fabric softener dispenser or directly into the drum during the rinse cycle (Bath to Basics (YouTube cleaning channel)).
• A 30-minute pre-soak in hot water with 1 cup vinegar can loosen stubborn odors.

How baking soda absorbs and deodorizes

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild abrasive and deodorizer that absorbs acidic odor compounds (Arm & Hammer (baking soda manufacturer)).
• Add 1/2 cup directly to the drum before the wash cycle (Creative Housewives (cleaning blog)).
• Works best in hot water and can be used after a vinegar cycle to remove lingering vinegar scent.

When to combine both methods

• Do not mix vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle—they neutralize each other, wasting both (Weezie Towels).
• Preferred method: run one hot wash with 1 cup vinegar, then a second hot wash with 1/2 cup baking soda (or a small amount of detergent) (Speed Queen).
• This two-cycle approach tackles both alkaline and acidic odor components.

Here is how the main methods compare at a glance:

The implication: vinegar is the more reliable all-around deodorizer, while baking soda excels at removing detergent residue — using them in separate cycles captures both benefits.

How do I stop my towels from smelling musty?

Immediate drying after washing

• Remove towels from the washer as soon as the cycle ends—sitting damp encourages mold growth (Speed Queen).
• Dry on high heat in the dryer or hang in direct sunlight; sunlight also naturally sanitizes (Mayo Clinic (health organization)).
• Ensure towels are bone-dry before folding or storing.

Proper storage and ventilation

• Store towels in a well-ventilated area—not in a damp bathroom cabinet.
• Use a towel no more than three times between washes (Speed Queen).
• Avoid leaving wet towels in the hamper; hang to dry first if not washing immediately.

Monthly deep cleaning routine

• Deep clean towels once a month using the vinegar-and-baking-soda method or oxygen bleach.
• Also clean the washing machine: run an empty hot cycle with 1/4 cup bleach or a washer cleaner (Speed Queen).
• Reduce detergent amount—too much suds leaves residue that feeds odor (Speed Queen).

The catch: musty smell that returns quickly after washing often points to excess detergent residue rather than inadequate cleaning.

How to get mildew smell out of towels without vinegar?

Using baking soda alone

• Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the drum and wash on hot. This may require two cycles for heavy mildew.
• Works best as a follow-up after a vinegar wash, but can be used solo for mild odors.

Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate)

• Follow the label instructions for mold and mildew—typically 1 scoop in the drum with detergent (The Spruce (home improvement resource)).
• Safe for most fabrics and colors; do not mix with chlorine bleach.
• Hot water activates the oxygen bleach for maximum cleaning.

Hydrogen peroxide and hot water soak

• Add 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the wash water during the rinse cycle.
• Do not mix with vinegar—creates a potentially irritating gas.
• Pre-soak for 15 minutes in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and hot water for stubborn odors.

Commercial enzymatic odor removers

• Products like Nature’s Miracle, OxiClean, or Tide Odor Rescue use enzymes to break down organic matter.
• Follow product directions; most require a full wash cycle on warm or hot.
• Effective for biological odors (mildew, sweat, urine) but may not work on chemical residues.

What are the first signs of mold toxicity?

Common symptoms of mold exposure

• Nasal congestion, throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, and skin rash are common (CDC (public health agency)).
• People with asthma or suppressed immune systems may experience more severe reactions (Mayo Clinic).
• Severe cases: fever, shortness of breath, mold allergy symptoms like sinusitis.

When to seek medical advice

• Consult a doctor if symptoms persist after removing the mold source.
• If you have asthma and notice worsening symptoms after using musty towels, see a healthcare provider.
• Low-level exposure from towels is unlikely to cause serious toxicity, but sensitive individuals should take precautions.

Where to put white vinegar when washing towels?

Adding vinegar to the bleach dispenser

• Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the bleach or fabric softener compartment. The vinegar will be released during the rinse cycle (Weezie Towels (specialty laundry brand)).
• This is the easiest method and prevents direct contact with detergent.

Adding vinegar directly to the drum

• If your washer doesn’t have a dispenser, add vinegar directly to the drum at the start of the rinse cycle (pause the machine if needed) (Bath to Basics YouTube cleaning channel).
• Avoid pouring onto dry clothes; dilute with water first.

Pre-soak method

• Soak towels in hot water mixed with 1 cup vinegar for 30 minutes before the wash cycle.
• Drain the soak water and run a normal hot wash with a small amount of detergent.
• This method is ideal for heavily mildewed towels.

When not to use baking soda in laundry?

Baking soda and vinegar interaction

• Do not combine baking soda with vinegar in the same wash—they neutralize each other, making both ineffective (Weezie Towels).

Compatibility with certain fabrics

• Avoid baking soda on silk or wool—its alkalinity can damage protein fibers (The Spruce (home improvement resource)).
• Safe for cotton, linen, polyester, and blends.

Avoid with bleach or chlorine

• Baking soda can react with chlorine bleach, reducing effectiveness and potentially creating fumes.
• Use separate cycles if both are needed.

The pattern is clear: baking soda is a reliable deodorizer for cottons and synthetics but not for delicate fabrics or when used alongside vinegar or chlorine.

Step-by-step method to remove mildew smell from towels

1. Pre-soak (optional): Fill a bathtub or basin with hot water and add 1 cup white vinegar. Submerge towels for 30 minutes.
2. First wash (vinegar cycle): Put towels in the washing machine. Pour 1 cup white vinegar into the bleach or fabric softener dispenser. Set water to hot (or warm if towels are delicate). Do not add detergent or bleach. Run the full cycle.
3. Second wash (baking soda or detergent): After the vinegar cycle, add 1/2 cup baking soda directly to the drum (or a small amount of HE detergent) and run another hot wash. This removes the vinegar smell and adds freshness (Speed Queen).
4. Dry immediately: Transfer towels to the dryer on high heat or hang in direct sunlight. Ensure they are completely dry before folding.
5. Repeat if needed: For heavy mildew, repeat the vinegar wash or try oxygen bleach on the second cycle.

Quotes from experts and users

“Deep clean your towels once a month using hot water and either vinegar or baking soda. This prevents buildup and keeps towels fluffy and odor-free.”

— The Spruce, home improvement resource

“I wash small loads of towels with a half cup of baking soda and no detergent. It took a few cycles to get rid of the smell, but it worked without using any vinegar.”

— Reddit user, r/CleaningTips

“The two-cycle method—vinegar first, then baking soda or detergent—is the most effective way to restore towels that have lost their freshness.”

— Weezie Towels, specialty laundry brand

“Wet towels should never be left in the hamper. Bacteria grow much faster on towels that do not dry completely, and that’s where the musty smell starts.”

— Speed Queen, washer manufacturer

For anyone dealing with persistent mildew odor, the path is clear: ditch fabric softener, use the two-cycle vinegar/baking soda method, and always dry towels thoroughly. The trade-off is extra water and time, but it beats living with musty-smelling towels.

The process outlined in removing mildew smell from towels provides a clear and effective solution to this common problem.

Frequently asked questions

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