How to Wash Towels: Guide to Keeping Them Soft & Fresh

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The best way to wash towels (machine vs. hand washing)
✅ Hot vs. cold water—which is best?
✅ How often you should wash them (spoiler: more than you think!)
✅ Why your towels smell musty—and how to fix it
✅ Common mistakes that ruin towels
✅ Pro tips for drying & maintaining softness

Let’s dive in.

Can You Wash Towels With Clothes? (Spoiler: No!)

Always wash towels separately from clothes. Here’s why:

• Lint transfer – Towels shed fibers that cling to fabrics, leaving your clothes fuzzy.

• Different wash needs – Towels need hotter water and a heavier cycle than most clothing.

• Bacteria risk – Bath towels collect dead skin cells and moisture, which can transfer to clothes if washed together.

Exception: You can wash towels with similar fabrics, like bedsheets, if they’re color-safe and need the same wash settings. But avoid mixing them with delicate items.

What’s the Best Water Temperature for Washing Towels?

Not all towels should be washed the same way—temperature matters!

Pro Tip: If your towels smell musty, a sanitize cycle (if your washer has one) can help eliminate odor-causing bacteria.

How Often Should You Wash Your Towels

Every 3-4 uses (or at least once a week).

Think about it: Towels absorb water, dead skin, and body oils—making them a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. If you notice a musty smell even after washing, they need extra attention (more on that later).

What About Kitchen & Gym Towels?

• Kitchen towels – Wash kitchen towels every 1-2 days (they harbor food bacteria).

• Gym towels – Wash after every use (sweat breeds germs fast).

Read On: Best Bath Towels for Softness & Absorbency | Buy Now

The Best Way to Wash Towels in a Washing Machine

Step 1: Use the Right Detergent

• Heavy-duty detergent (with enzymes) works best for breaking down oils and sweat.

• Avoid too much soap – Excess detergent leaves residue, making towels stiff.

Step 2: Don’t Overload the Washer

• Towels need room to agitate—stuffing too many in prevents proper cleaning.

• A half-full drum is ideal for maximum fluffiness.

Step 3: Skip Fabric Softener

• It coats fibers with wax, reducing absorbency over time.

• Alternative: Use wool dryer balls for natural softening.

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How to Wash Towels with Vinegar (The Secret to Softness & Odor Removal)

Why vinegar?

• Removes detergent buildup (a common cause of stiffness).

• Kills mildew (the culprit behind musty smells).

• Softens fibers naturally (no chemicals needed).

How to do it:

1. Wash towels as usual with detergent.

2. During the rinse cycle, add 1 cup white vinegar.

3. Dry normally—the vinegar smell disappears!

⚠️ Warning: Never mix vinegar with bleach (toxic fumes!).

Why Do Towels Smell Musty After Washing? (And How to Fix It)

If your towels still stink after washing, mildew is trapped in the fibers. Here’s how to fix it:

Option 1: Baking Soda + Vinegar Soak

1. Soak towels in hot water + 1 cup baking soda for 30 mins.

2. Wash as usual, adding vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Option 2: Bleach (For White Towels Only)

• Use ½ cup bleach in a hot wash to kill bacteria.

Option 3: Strip Your Towels (Deep Clean Method)

• Soak in hot water + 1 cup borax + 1 cup washing soda for 4-6 hours.

• Then wash normally.

How to Dry Towels for Maximum Fluffiness

Tumble Drying:

• Medium heat (high heat damages fibers over time).

• Throw in dryer balls (helps fluff them up).

Line Drying (Best for Longevity):

• Sunlight naturally bleaches & disinfects white towels.

• Gives towels a crisp, fresh feel (but may be slightly stiffer).

Pro Tip: Shake towels before drying to fluff the fibers and reduce wrinkles.

Common Towel Washing Mistakes (That Ruin Them Faster)

❌ Using too much detergent → Leaves residue, makes towels stiff.
❌ Washing with kitchen towels → Spreads bacteria (keep them separate!).
❌ Letting damp towels sit in the hamper → Causes mildew growth.
❌ Overloading the washer → Prevents proper cleaning.
❌ Using fabric softener → Coats fibers, reducing absorbency.

How Long Do Bath Towels Last? (When to Replace Them)

With proper care, good-quality towels last 2-3 years. Signs it’s time to replace them:

• Stiff & scratchy even after washing bath towels

• Fraying edges or holes

• Persistent musty smell

• No longer absorbent (water beads up instead of soaking in)

How to Soften Bath Towels

Stiff, scratchy towels ruin the post-shower experience. Luckily, you can restore softness with simple tricks. The best methods include washing with vinegar, avoiding fabric softener, and proper drying. Here’s how to do it:

1. Wash with white vinegar – Add ½ cup to the rinse cycle to break down residue.

2. Skip fabric softener – It coats fibers, reducing absorbency over time.

3. Use less detergent – Too much leaves buildup that stiffens towels.

4. Dry correctly – Use medium heat and add dryer balls for extra fluff.

5. Try baking soda – ½ cup in the wash softens fibers naturally.

6. Fix hard water issues – Soak in vinegar or use a water softener.

7. Replace old towels – If they’re over 3-5 years old, no trick will help.

For long-term softness, wash towels in warm water, avoid overloading the machine, and air-dry occasionally. Your towels will stay cozy and absorbent!

Pro tip: Tennis balls in the dryer work just as well as wool dryer balls for fluffing! 🎾✨

Extra Pro Tips for Towel Care

✔ Wash new towels before first use – Removes chemical residues from manufacturing.
✔ Hand-wash delicate towels – Use cold water & mild detergent.
✔ Avoid washing with sheets – Different fabrics need different care.
✔ Rotate towels – Having 2-3 sets extends their lifespan.

Washing towels the right way makes a huge difference in their softness, smell, and longevity. Stick to hot water for whites, warm for colors, and always skip fabric softener. If odors linger, vinegar and baking soda are your best friends.

Follow these tips, and you’ll always have luxuriously soft, fresh-smelling towels ready when you need them!

Got a musty towel emergency? Try a vinegar soak or borax strip to revive them. Now you know exactly how to wash towels like a pro! 🚿✨