Towels develop a musty smell when they stay damp too long, are washed with too much detergent, or never dry fully. Prevention is about shortening damp time and avoiding residue in the fibers rather than adding fragrance to cover odor.
Spread towels out after each use
Do not leave damp towels in a pile, closed hamper, or on a hook where they fold onto themselves. The more surface exposed to moving air, the faster moisture drops and odor-causing growth is limited.
Do not overload the washer
Towels need room for water and detergent to circulate and then rinse away. An overloaded drum can leave soil and product trapped in thick fibers.
Dose detergent for the load and water
More detergent does not mean cleaner towels. Excess can remain in the fabric, attract soil, and make rinsing harder; use the dose appropriate for load size and water hardness.
Dry completely before storing
Remove towels promptly after the cycle and dry them until no dampness remains in thick areas. Putting slightly damp towels into a closed cabinet is a quick way for mustiness to return.
Sources
- American Cleaning Institute — Cleaning Tips — Household cleaning methods, product use and dosing, and material compatibility.