How to keep towels free of odour

Short answer: Odour in towels comes from moisture that stays put. Hang them spread out over a rail, and that solves most cases without you having to wash more often.

Spread out rather than folded

A towel hanging doubled never dries completely in the middle. That is where the smell starts. Hang it out at full width. See bamboo towels.

Ventilation in the bathroom

With no ventilation no towel dries properly. Open the window or leave the door open after a shower.

Fabric softener holds the odour

The film from fabric softener binds odour compounds instead of releasing them. Drop it entirely on towels. See washing and care.

A hot wash resets it

60 degrees occasionally removes the smell that has settled in. Do not do it every time, it wears. See home and homewear in bamboo.

One towel each

If several people share the same towel, it never gets dry. See bamboo bedding.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my towels smell?

Because they do not dry completely between uses. Hang them spread out over a rail.

Does washing more often help?

Rarely. The problem is the drying, not the frequency.

Can a hot wash remove the smell?

Yes. 60 degrees occasionally resets the smell that has settled into the fibres.