If a freshly washed towel develops a musty smell again when it gets wet, start by checking the washing temperature and drying conditions. A 2026 study found that washing with detergent at 60°C was more effective at reducing bacteria than washing at 40°C. However, not all towels can safely be washed at 60°C. If unpleasant odors persist despite proper washing and drying, or if the towel has lost its absorbency, replacement may be worth considering.
Information verified as of: October 19, 2026
Why Do Towels Smell Musty Even After Washing?
Moisture remaining in the fabric and microorganisms can contribute to recurring musty odors in towels. Because towels come into direct contact with the skin, they collect not only water but also skin oils and dead skin cells. If they do not dry thoroughly, they can provide favorable conditions for microbial growth.
In some cases, a towel may have little noticeable odor immediately after washing but develop an unpleasant smell again when it becomes wet after a shower.
When this happens, it is important to examine both the condition of the towel itself and the washing and drying process.
If the towel smells immediately after washing: Check the washing temperature, amount of detergent used, and condition of the washing machine.
If the towel smells fine when dry but develops an odor when wet: Wash it again, dry it completely, and reassess its condition.
If several towels develop odors at the same time: Before throwing away individual towels, inspect the washing machine and drying environment they share.
If only one particular towel repeatedly smells: Compare its absorbency and fabric condition with those of other towels.
The timing of an odor alone cannot establish its exact cause. However, identifying the stage at which the problem repeatedly occurs can help prevent unnecessary towel replacement.
For a more thorough assessment, it may also help to examine the washing machine and drying process together.
Washing Towels at 40°C vs. 60°C: What Does the Research Show?
A study published in BMC Microbiology in August 2026 found that washing with detergent at 60°C produced greater reductions in the tested bacteria than washing at 40°C. However, these findings should not be applied directly to every household bath towel or interpreted as evidence that washing at 60°C eliminates all microorganisms.
The researchers inoculated kitchen towels made from cotton, polyester microfiber, and cotton-linen blends with bacteria, then compared the effects of different washing temperatures.
Comparison of reductions in tested bacteria when detergent was used
| Washing temperature | Research findings |
|---|---|
| 40°C washing | Failed to effectively inactivate all the tested bacteria |
| 60°C washing | Produced greater reductions in all tested bacteria |
These findings come from a 2026 experiment involving kitchen towels. Log reduction is a measure of how much the bacterial population decreases.
When washed at 60°C, Salmonella and Listeria were reduced to undetectable levels in all tested fabrics.
However, Bacillus cereus remained present even after washing at 60°C. Therefore, washing at 60°C should not be regarded as equivalent to complete disinfection or sterilization.
There is also an important limitation to consider.
The study did not involve long-term observation of households using ordinary bath towels. Instead, it was conducted under experimental conditions in which specific bacteria were introduced onto kitchen textiles.
Consequently, although the findings support the effectiveness of 60°C washing in reducing microorganisms, they do not establish that washing at 60°C will eliminate musty odors from every towel.
Should All Towels Be Washed at 60°C?
It is advisable to use a 60°C washing temperature only when the towel's care label permits it. Although higher temperatures can help reduce bacteria, washing at temperatures unsuitable for the material may cause shrinkage or deformation.
Before putting a towel in the washing machine, check the permitted temperature on its product label.
If the care instructions specify a maximum temperature of 40°C, it is best not to increase the temperature to 60°C without authorization from the manufacturer. Even cotton towels can have different care requirements depending on the manufacturer and finishing process.
A practical washing routine follows these steps:
1. Check the towel's washing and care label.
2. Select a washing cycle within the permitted temperature range.
3. Use an appropriate amount of detergent for the laundry load and degree of soiling.
4. Avoid overloading the washing machine with towels.
5. Remove the towels promptly after washing and dry them thoroughly.
A towel does not necessarily need to be replaced simply because it cannot be washed at 60°C. The priority should be washing it at a temperature appropriate for the product and improving drying and storage conditions.
Can Fabric Softener Eliminate Musty Towel Odors?
Adding more fabric softener does not necessarily solve recurring musty odors. Fabric softeners are primarily designed to make fabrics feel softer and cannot replace the washing process needed to remove odor-causing microorganisms.
Fabric softener ingredients act on the surface of textile fibers. Some products, or excessive use, may affect a towel's ability to absorb water.
However, not every fabric softener reduces towel absorbency. Some products have little effect on absorbency when used in the recommended amounts.
Therefore, rather than continually increasing the amount of fabric softener to address musty odors, it is more reasonable to check the washing conditions and drying process first.
A stronger fragrance does not necessarily mean that the towel's hygiene has improved.
When Should You Replace a Towel? Check Its Condition, Not Just Its Age
Towels are generally recommended for replacement after approximately 1–2 years of use, but this is not an absolute lifespan that applies to every towel.
Their actual condition can vary depending on how frequently they are used and how they are washed and dried.
In particular, when the following changes occur, it is better to assess the towel's current condition rather than relying solely on how long it has been used.
| Towel condition | How to decide |
|---|---|
| Odor disappears after washing and absorbency remains good | Continue using the towel while maintaining proper drying and storage practices |
| Odor repeatedly appears only when the towel gets wet | Check washing temperature and drying conditions first |
| Unpleasant odor persists despite proper washing and drying | Consider replacing the towel |
| Water absorbency has noticeably declined | Consider replacement regardless of how long the towel has been used |
| Fibers are severely worn or damaged | Assess the fabric's condition to determine whether replacement is necessary |
A towel observation study published in Scientific Reports in 2023 examined changes related to microorganisms in towels used over a six-month period.
As the duration of use increased, substances associated with biofilms on the fiber surfaces also increased. A biofilm is a film-like structure formed when microorganisms attach to a surface.
The study observed odors beginning after two months of use. At six months, the towels contained more living microorganisms than they had at two and four months.
However, these findings do not mean that every towel must be discarded after two or six months.
In practice, replacement decisions should consider the persistence of odors, water absorbency, and the extent of fiber damage together.
How to Dry Towels Properly and Prevent Recurring Musty Odors
It is important to dry towels thoroughly not only after washing but also immediately after use. Leaving them wet for extended periods creates conditions that favor microbial growth.
In particular, avoid leaving wet towels from a shower crumpled together with other laundry.
The recommended practices are straightforward:
Spread out used towels to dry.
Remove towels from the washing machine as soon as reasonably possible after the cycle ends.
Hang towels on a drying rack without overlapping them.
When using a tumble dryer, select a cycle appropriate for the product's care label.
Store towels only after they are completely dry.
The American Cleaning Institute recommends allowing ordinary bath towels to dry thoroughly between uses and generally washing them after 3–5 uses.
However, this is guidance for typical usage conditions. The appropriate washing frequency may vary depending on the environment and how dirty the towels become.
If the bathroom itself does not dry properly, improving towel care alone may not resolve the problem. It is also worth checking the bathroom's drying conditions.
Three Steps to Decide Whether to Keep or Replace a Musty Towel
A towel does not need to be thrown away immediately just because it smells musty. First, correct the washing and drying conditions, then check whether the problem continues.
Step 1. Check the care label
Confirm the permitted washing temperature and drying method.
Step 2. Wash the towel again at an appropriate temperature
If the product permits washing at 60°C, that temperature may be used.
Step 3. Dry the towel completely immediately after washing
Do not leave it wet. Make sure it dries thoroughly, including the inner layers of the fabric.
If the odor improves:
Continue using the towel if its absorbency is also satisfactory.
If the odor persists:
Inspect the washing environment and then consider replacing the towel.
Before purchasing new towels, it is also important to check the washing machine and drying environment.
If the same problem occurs with new towels, the length of time the previous towels were used is unlikely to explain the issue on its own.
To investigate further, distinguish whether the odor was present before washing, appeared immediately afterward, or returned only when the towel became wet.
Using a towel for a long time is not inherently a problem. Washing according to its care label, drying it thoroughly, and monitoring changes in odor and absorbency can help maintain hygienic towels while avoiding unnecessary replacement.