If your bathroom smells like wet towels, the most common culprits are excess moisture, poorly dried fabrics, and lingering mildew or bacteria. The good news is that you can fix it with a few simple cleaning and ventilation adjustments. By improving air circulation, washing and drying towels properly, and tackling any hidden moisture, you can eliminate that damp, musty odor for good.
Why Does the Bathroom Smell Like Wet Towels?
A “wet towel” smell is almost always the result of trapped moisture. Bathrooms naturally stay humid from showers and baths, making it easy for damp towels and fabrics to develop mildew. When towels aren’t allowed to dry completely, bacteria and mold spores begin to grow, producing that familiar musty scent.
Poor ventilation—like a weak or unused exhaust fan—also traps moisture in the air. Over time, the smell can cling to walls, floors, rugs, and curtains. Simply spraying air freshener might hide the smell temporarily, but it won’t fix the root issue: dampness and bacteria.
1. Improve Towel-Related Habits
Wash Towels Regularly
Towels should be washed after every three to four uses, or more often in humid environments. Use hot water to kill bacteria and remove built-up residue from body oils, detergent, and fabric softener.
Hang Towels to Dry After Each Use
Avoid leaving towels in a heap or hanging too close together. Spread them out on a rack or hook so air can circulate around them. If possible, hang them outside or near a window for faster drying.
Deep Clean When Needed
If towels still smell even after washing, run them through a special cycle with one cup of white vinegar (no detergent), followed by another wash with baking soda. This removes deep-set bacteria and odors.
Replace Old Towels
When towels stop absorbing water effectively or continue smelling musty no matter how much you wash them, it’s time to replace them. Old fibers can trap moisture and bacteria permanently.
2. Lower Moisture and Increase Ventilation
Use the Exhaust Fan or Open a Window
Run your exhaust fan during every shower and for at least 15–20 minutes afterward. If your bathroom doesn’t have one, open a window or keep the door cracked to let humidity escape.
Reduce Overall Humidity
Consider using a small dehumidifier if your bathroom stays damp for hours after a shower. You can also place moisture-absorbing crystals or charcoal bags in corners to help control humidity.
Dry Surfaces Quickly
After showering, wipe down shower walls and glass doors with a squeegee or towel. Wipe up any standing water on counters or around the sink, and leave the bathroom door open to promote air flow.
Position Towels for Airflow
Make sure your towel bars or hooks aren’t overcrowded. Towels need room to breathe, so avoid hanging multiple damp towels close together.
3. Clean and Maintain Surfaces, Fixtures & Fabrics
Wash Fabrics Frequently
Items like shower curtains, bath mats, and rugs can trap moisture just like towels. Wash them every couple of weeks to prevent mildew buildup.
Scrub and Disinfect Surfaces
Mildew often hides in tile grout, behind faucets, and around drains. Clean these areas with a mildew-removing cleaner or a mix of vinegar and baking soda.
Check for Hidden Leaks
A slow leak under the sink or behind the toilet can create constant dampness that contributes to odor. Fix any plumbing issues right away and ensure all fixtures are dry.
Use Odor Absorbers
Leave a small bowl of baking soda, activated charcoal, or moisture-absorbing crystals in the bathroom to keep air fresh between cleanings.
4. Focus Specifically on Towels as Odor Sources
Understand Why Towels Smell
Even freshly washed towels can develop odor if detergent, softener, or moisture remains trapped in the fibers. These residues create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Deep Clean Periodically
Once a month, deep clean your towels using a vinegar and baking soda cycle. This breaks down detergent buildup and neutralizes any odors.
Avoid Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners and dryer sheets coat towel fibers, reducing absorbency and trapping smells. Instead, use vinegar in the rinse cycle as a natural softener.
Store Towels Properly
Never store towels while damp. Make sure they’re fully dry before folding or placing them in a closet. Use shelves or open baskets that allow airflow, especially in humid climates.
Prevent your bathroom from smelling like wet towels today
A bathroom that smells like wet towels is a clear sign of trapped moisture and bacteria. By washing towels properly, increasing airflow, cleaning frequently, and addressing any leaks, you can restore freshness and keep your space comfortable. If the problem continues or you discover mold or water damage, call First and Last Restoration! Our team specializes in identifying and eliminating hidden moisture issues so you can enjoy a clean, fresh-smelling home again.
