Have you ever grabbed a freshly washed towel, held it to your face, and instead of smelling clean, you smelled musty? This is no coincidence. You didn't necessarily do anything wrong with your laundry—the real culprit is often the drying method. Moisture trapped in the fabric quickly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which quickly manifests as an unpleasant odor.
We hang many times a towel on the doorknob, we fold it slightly over the edge of the door or radiator. It may seem innocent, but it is these folds that trap moisture – and exactly where the air is not circulating, the towel dries the slowest. Thicker towels are especially problematic, as they retain more water and are even more difficult to dry completely.
The result? A damp feeling, an unpleasant smell, and a feeling like the towel is never really fresh.
Where and how to dry towels so they are really dry and fresh?
It is best to hang towels on wide stand, where they are fully stretched and exposed to fresh air. If possible, dry them outside the bathroom, where there is no high humidity. It is crucial that the air circulates constantly - this helps the moisture to evaporate quickly and not remain in the fabric. Placing the towels horizontally further helps to ensure even drying.
How long does it take for a towel to really dry?
This depends on two factors: how much air is circulating in the room, and the thickness and density of the towel. Thinner towels in a well-ventilated room can dry in less than 6–8 hoursHowever, if the towel is thicker or the room is poorly ventilated, it may take longer. up to 12 hoursThe longer it stays damp, the more likely it is to start smelling bad.
Faster drying in the dryer: a small trick for big results
If the towels tumble dry, you can speed up the process considerably by adding soft, natural wool dryer balls. These create air pockets between the towels, allowing heat to be better distributed. As a result, the fabric dries faster, more evenly, and stays softer to the touch.
Washing towels correctly is half the battle
Washing is just as important as drying. Always wash your towels separate from other laundry, sorted by color and thickness. The most suitable temperature is around 60°C, as this removes bacteria, odors and skin debris.
And more importantly – avoid fabric softeners! These create a thin layer that inhibits water absorption and makes drying worse. Use a mild but effective detergent instead.
No more detergent = better washing
Most people make the mistake of using too much detergent. Unfortunately, the excess often remains in the fibers, as the machine fails to completely rinse it out. Detergent residue attracts moisture and creates the conditions for odors to develop. So use less – but wisely. The right measure is the key.
The most common mistakes that ruin the freshness of towels
1. You hang your towels – but incorrectly.
If you simply throw a towel over a doorknob or fold it over a door, you are doing a favor to stuffiness. This arrangement means that the inside of the fabric is barely ventilated – the result is a hotbed of moisture and the rapid spread of unpleasant odors.
2. Too “fragrant” means less absorbent.
Many people want soft and fragrant towels, so they reach for a strong fabric softener. But fabric softener doesn't work miracles - it creates a layer on the fibers that softens, but at the same time stifles their natural absorbency and increases their tendency to retain moisture.
3. Hard water, soft towels? Not exactly.
If you use hard water in your household, mineral deposits build up in your towels, which act similarly to fabric softener – preventing the fibers from breathing and absorbing properly. Even if you wash your towel properly, it still won't dry as well as it should.
4. Wrong company in the drum.
When you throw the towels in machine together with other clothes, especially those made of synthetic materials, prevent uniform washing and drying. Towels are thicker and require more space - if you don't give them this, they will quickly "retaliate" with dampness and stuffiness.
5. Machine full = unpleasant smell.
If you overload the washing machine, you don't allow enough water to flow and rinse out the detergent. The powder residue gets stuck in the fibers and traps moisture there - this can cause an unpleasant odor within a few hours, before the towel has even dried.
A fresh towel – a small change, a big impact
If you wash your towels properly, dry them sensibly, and don't overload them with unnecessary accessories, they will remain fresh, soft, and comfortable with every use. It sounds simple – and it is.But consistency is the difference between a towel that smells and one that you'd rather not use anymore.
