If your towels emerge from the wash with a stale, musty odor, the problem may not be the detergent. According to Dr. Kristina Braly, founder of the non-toxic laundry brand Aembr, the culprit often lies in how the laundry routine is executed—from machine maintenance to drying habits.
Dr. Braly, who specializes in clean laundry care, identifies six recurring mistakes that lead to lingering smells. Here’s what she says to check.
Start With a Clean Washing Machine
A washing machine that isn’t cleaned regularly can transfer odors to the very towels it’s meant to freshen. Dr. Braly recommends running an empty cycle with white vinegar or baking soda to prevent buildup. For a deeper refresh, she suggests a hot water cycle with vinegar and no detergent.
This simple maintenance step, she notes, helps ensure that towels come out genuinely clean rather than picking up residual grime from the machine’s interior.
Dry Thoroughly Before Folding
Towels are designed to absorb moisture, and if they’re folded or put away while still damp, they can quickly develop mildew and a musty smell—even if they were just washed. Dr. Braly stresses the importance of allowing towels to dry completely before storage.
She also offers a finishing touch for those who enjoy a fresh-scented linen closet: a light mist of a clean home spray can add a subtle, signature fragrance to towels.
Skip the Fabric Softener
While fabric softener may make towels feel fluffy, Dr. Braly advises against it. “Avoid fabric softeners, which coat the fibers and make towels less absorbent over time—this actually makes them harder to get truly clean,” she says.
Instead, she recommends using distilled white vinegar as a natural alternative. It dissolves detergent residue and buildup, leaving towels softer and cleaner, while also deodorizing the washing machine. Note that apple cider or red wine vinegar should not be used, as their colors can stain towels permanently.
Watch Detergent Amounts
Using too much laundry detergent can backfire. Dr. Braly explains that excess detergent leaves a residue that builds up on towel fibers, preventing them from being washed properly and causing odors to persist.
The solution is to use the recommended amount—often less than people think—to avoid buildup and keep towels fresh.
Choose Warm or Hot Water
Washing towels in cold water may be gentle on fabrics, but it’s less effective at removing body oils, dirt, and odor-causing bacteria. Dr. Braly recommends washing towels in warm or hot water with a gentle detergent to ensure they come out smelling clean.
While cold water is fine for some garments, towels benefit from higher temperatures that break down the substances that cause stale smells.
Don’t Overload the Machine
Fitting as many towels as possible into one load might seem efficient, but it leads to uneven water and detergent distribution. Dr. Braly points out that overloaded machines can leave towels with detergent residue, stains, and lingering odors.
To get the best results, she advises washing towels in smaller loads so they have room to move and rinse thoroughly.
By addressing these six common mistakes, most towel odor issues can be resolved without resorting to harsh chemicals. A few adjustments to your laundry routine—and a clean machine—can make all the difference.
