The towel in the gym bag
Short answer: A towel left damp in a closed bag starts to smell within a few hours. Choose one that dries quickly, and hang it up as soon as you get home.
Damp in a closed bag
Bacteria thrive in a warm, damp bag, which is why the smell comes so fast. A towel that has spent a night in there often smells even after washing. The shorter the time it stays damp, the better.
Drying time matters most
A towel that dries quickly can partly dry on the way home, and that makes a big difference to odour. Thin, light towels usually dry faster than thick ones. See bamboo towels in several sizes.
The size
A medium towel is enough for the gym and takes up less space than a bath sheet. It also dries faster, because there is less fabric. If you need more, take two small ones rather than one large towel that never dries in the bag.
Hang it up straight away
Take the towel out of the bag as soon as you get home and hang it spread out on a rail or rack. It is the simplest advice, and it works. Never leave the bag closed until the next day with the towel inside.
A separate compartment
Use a pouch or a separate compartment for the used towel, so it does not dampen the rest of the bag. A mesh or cloth bag lets air through far better than a plastic bag, which traps moisture and makes the smell worse.
Wash often
A gym towel should be washed after every second or third use, more often than one at home, because it has been damp in the bag. Wash at 40 to 60 degrees without fabric softener. See how to wash bamboo towels.
Skip the softener
Fabric softener closes the terry loops, so the towel absorbs less and dries more slowly. For a gym towel, that is the opposite of what you need. Use the right dose of detergent and leave the softener out.
The rest of the bag
Wet training clothes in the bag smell just as quickly as the towel. Pack them in a separate pouch and take them out together with the towel when you get home. Read more in after training.
Air the bag
The bag itself can start to smell if it is always kept closed. Leave it open overnight and wash it now and then if the material allows. A dry bag gives the towel better conditions on the way home.
See also
A quick drying towel is also practical at home and when travelling. See the other home textiles in home and homewear in bamboo, where you will find more of the things used close to the body every day.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the towel smell after training?
Because it lies damp in a closed bag where bacteria thrive. Hang it up as soon as you get home, so it can dry.
How often should it be washed?
After every second or third session, more often if it has been damp in the bag overnight. Wash without softener so it stays absorbent.
Which size is best for training?
A medium towel is enough for most people. It takes up less space than a bath sheet and dries faster, because there is less fabric.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
