Why do my towels smell?
6th May 2025
Let’s be real–there’s nothing worse than stepping out of a steamy shower, reaching for your fluffy towel… and catching a not-so-fresh whiff.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do clean towels smell musty?”–you’re not alone. The good news? It’s totally fixable.
Smelly towels are more common than you’d think, and with a few tweaks to your washing routine, you’ll be back to that soft, fresh-scented bliss in no time. Plus, if you’re using Canningvale towels (hello absorbent luxury!), you’re already halfway there–our towels are built to last, as long as you show them a little love.
Let’s break down how to remove that musty smell from towels and how to prevent it from returning.
1. Detergent & Fabric Softener Buildup
Why it stinks: Using too much detergent or fabric softener can leave residue that traps bacteria–aka the source of that musty whiff.
How to fix it: Dial it back on the detergent (a little goes a long way), especially if you’re using something high quality—like our Canningvale Signature Concentrate Laundry Liquid. It's designed to be gentle on fabrics but tough on grime, without leaving behind gunky residue. And while we’re at it—ditch the fabric softener. It might smell nice, but it actually reduces your towel’s absorbency over time.
And if your towels are already developing a bit of a musty odour, try adding a cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle. It helps break down buildup and keeps those odour-causing nasties at bay.
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2. Incomplete Drying
Why it stinks: Towels that aren’t completely dry = damp = bacteria’s favourite party spot. And guess what? That musty smell? It’s the afterparty.
How to fix it: The best way to wash towels so they don’t smell includes drying them completely. Pop them in the dryer on warm heat or hang them in full sun for that all-natural freshness. Just make sure there’s absolutely no moisture left before folding and storing.
Pro tip: If you think your towels are dry, take a moment to feel the thickest part of the towel—usually the folded edge or the double-stitched hem. If that spot still feels even slightly damp, there’s still drying left to be done.
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3. Hard Water Woes
Why it stinks: Got hard water? The minerals can cling to your towels, making them stiff, smelly, and scratchy–not ideal.
Not sure how to tell if you’ve got hard water? If you’ve ever been driven mad by that chalky residue on your shower screen that will not come off, spotty glasses fresh out of the dishwasher, or soap that just refuses to lather–these are surefire signs that hard water could be the culprit.
How to fix it: Add a splash of vinegar to your wash every now and then, or look into detergents made for hard water. This helps break down buildup and keeps your towels soft and absorbent. Want to avoid this altogether? Invest in premium towels like ours–they’re made to withstand the rinse-repeat lifestyle.
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4. Overcrowded Storage
Why it stinks: Stuffing towels into a cramped linen closet = no airflow = mildew city (especially if they’re not 100% dry).
How to fix it: Give your towels some breathing room! Store them in a well-ventilated space, and make sure they’re fully dry before they go in.
Bonus tip: To keep things extra fresh, toss a moisture absorber (like those little sachets or silica gels that come in your medication or pet food!) in your towel cupboard—and finish with a quick spritz of Canningvale’s Room and Linen Spray to keep everything smelling hotel-fresh.
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5. Dirty Washing Machine
Why it stinks: Your washing machine might be the sneaky culprit here. If it’s full of old detergent, fabric softener gunk.
How to fix it: For a full breakdown on how to clean it properly, check out our blog: Laundry Hacks You Wish You Knew Sooner.
But in short: Run a hot cycle with white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner once a month. Keep that drum sparkling and your towels will thank you.
Tips for Fresh-Smelling Towels (That Actually Work)
● Wash every 3–4 uses
● Dry completely—sunshine helps!
● Skip fabric softeners
● Use natural deodorisers like vinegar or baking soda
● ️ Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot
● Clean your washing machine regularly
Want to know how to keep towels smelling fresh long-term? Start with towels that are built for it. Our Canningvale range is crafted for durability, absorbency, and softness that lasts—if you treat them right, they’ll treat you even better.
Browse our luxury towel collection and wrap yourself in something fresher.