How to Hang Wet Towels So They Dry Fast and Never Smell Mildewy

Fewer things can ruin the serenity of a steamy shower than a reaching for a fluffy towel only to find it damp and musty. The easiest way to keep such a scenario at bay? Hanging your towel properly can allow it to dry thoroughly and prevent mildew.

Didn't know there was a right way to hang a towel? You're not alone. Here's the easiest way to ensure a fresh-smelling towel every time.

How to Properly Hang a Damp Towel 

How you choose to hang a damp towel makes all the difference. "The key to preventing mildew and odor on your used towel is to hang it up on a towel rack fully spread out in a well-ventilated area," textile care expert Frej Lewenhaupt explains. "This allows the moisture to evaporate evenly and quickly, which reduces the chance of bacterial growth."

Horizontal racks are best for maximum airflow—but try to steer clear of back-of-door hooks whenever possible. "Putting it on a hook or keeping it bunched up leads to folds in the towel that aren’t exposed to air," says Lewenhaupt, "which doesn’t allow the whole towel to dry properly."

If the towels you’re using are on the thicker side or have tightly-woven loops, Lewenhaupt suggests taking extra caution with the drying process. These types of towels can hold on to moisture, which makes them more prone to musty smells and mildew. If possible, you should use a wide towel bar in a well-ventilated area (ideally outside your bathroom) for better drying.

How Long a Damp Towel Takes to Dry

Two factors influence how long a damp towel takes to dry: a room’s airflow and the towel’s thickness, ​​Lewenhaupt notes. If the towel is a fairly standard cotton towel in a decently ventilated space, it’ll likely take six to eight hours to dry. “If it's thicker or if the room is humid, it might take closer to 12 hours,” he adds. 

Why the Way You Hang Your Towel Matters

"Proper airflow is what allows a damp towel to fully dry," Lewenhaupt explains. “If your towel is drying in a humid room, the water is not able to evaporate, and that warm environment is the perfect breeding ground for mildew and bacteria.” 

After taking a shower, consider turning on the exhaust fan or opening a bathroom window. This will help remove some of the humidity (and therefore, moisture) from the space. And as Tom Ceconi, president of Heritage Park Laundry Essentials, points out, airflow should also be considered when machine-drying towels. "I recommend throwing a set of organic wool dryer balls in with towels," Ceconi says. "They naturally soften towel fibers and create air pockets in and around the towels to speed drying time and dry most effectively."

When to Rotate Your Bath Towels

To keep your towels fluffy and smelling fresh, Lewenhaupt says it’s critical to ensure each towel is fully dry in between washes. He recommends rotating between two or three towels to give each a chance to dry. 

When it’s time to wash your towels, using a gentle yet effective detergent is key, says Lewenhaupt. “Wash them around 60°C / 140°F to really clean the fibers,” he explains. “Steaming between washes can also help eliminate surface bacteria and odors without over-washing.”

Additionally, Ceconi cautions against using fabric softener or dryer sheets. "Far from softening, these products leave a waxy coating on towel fibers that makes them less absorbent and more prone to looking dull," Ceconi explains. "The minerals in hard water can have a similar effect, leaving towels feeling scratchy and worn."

Ceconi also suggests only washing towels with other like towels, sorted by weight and color. “Don’t overload your machine or use too much detergent, both of which can prevent towels from getting properly rinsed,” he adds.