How to Wash and Restore Old Towels to Like-New Condition

Before you run to the store to replace your old towels, consider reviving them to get them looking (and smelling) like new again. As it turns out, regular laundering isn’t enough on its own. Even towels purchased relatively recently can quickly acquire an unpleasant odor that tells you they are in need of a refresh.

To find out exactly what causes towels to age and how to clean and revive them, we turned to cleaning and linen experts. Read on to learn how to breathe new life into your bath towels.

Why Your Towels Need a Refresh

“Over time, towels tend to lose their softness and freshness, often becoming rough and musty, with a foul smell,” explains president and co-CEO of AspenClean Alicia Sokolowski. Any of the following care mishaps can contribute to these issues. 

Improper Drying

“The most common reason for bath towels to become musty or develop a foul odor is improper drying,” shares linen expert and vice president of product development at LUXOME, Tandy Avery.

According to Avery, damp towels create an ideal environment for mold and mildew. If towels are not dried thoroughly, or if they linger in the washing machine for too long, the dampness creates a perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive.

Storing Towels Before They're Completely Dry

Sometimes, towels come out of the dryer slightly damp—and this means they need more drying time. “Storing towels before they are completely dry is also a cause for musty odors,” says Avery. Even a slightly damp towel can produce humidity in a linen closet, setting the scene for mildew and mold growth.

Buildup of Detergent and Fabric Softener

“A buildup of excessive detergent from overloading the washing machine or the use of too much detergent can cause the towels to feel rough,” explains Avery. Despite the allure of fabric softeners, they can actually leave a coating on your towels that inhibits their absorbency and reduces the fluffiness of the fibers, leaving them feeling stiff and coarse.

Body Oils, Sweat, and Dead Skin Cells

According to Sokolowski, “Towels absorb everything from your skin, from natural oils and sweat to dead skin cells.” If your towels are not thoroughly washed and dried correctly, “these organic materials build up in the fabric and become a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew, leading to unpleasant odors,” she says.

Hard Water Minerals

Minerals in hard water can also make towels rough and scratchy, as the buildup of these minerals causes towels to lose their softness. “If your home has hard water, the minerals (like calcium and magnesium) can stick with towel fibers, causing a rough texture and making it harder for towels to get fully clean,” explains Sokolowski.

Frequent Washing and Drying

According to Sokolowski, repeated exposure to heat and friction in washers and dryers slowly wears down towel fibers. Over time, this can lead to a scratchy texture, reduced absorbency, and a worn-out feel, even if your towel looks fine on the surface.

Don't Miss

Can You Wash Towels With Clothes? The Answer May Surprise You

Stop Using the Dryer: 8 Reasons Line-Drying Your Laundry Is Better, According to Experts

How to Clean and Revive Old Towels

Towels with musty smells and worn or scratchy texture are certainly unpleasant, but the good news is that, with the right care, many can be brought back to life. Follow Sokolowski’s simple steps to clean and revive your old bath towels.

Materials Needed:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Hot water
• Drying rack or line (optional)
• Oxygen bleach for extra cleaning power (optional)

Instructions:

1. Get Rid of the Residue: Load towels into the washing machine. Add one cup white vinegar directly into the drum, and wash on the hottest water setting available without detergent or fabric softener.
2. Deodorize and Soften: Leave towels in the washing machine, and add a half cup of baking soda or one tablespoon of oxygen bleach to the drum (again, without detergent). Run a second hot water wash cycle.
3. Dry Thoroughly: Shake towels out to fluff the fibers and dry on low to medium heat. Alternatively (and preferably), line dry in sunlight to naturally disinfect and freshen.
4. Make It Routine: Follow the above protocol every 4-6 weeks to deep clean any towels that you notice getting old and in need of a refresh.

Tips for Keeping Your Towels Fresh and Looking like New

• Always shake out your towels before you place them in the dryer.
• Avoid overcrowding the dryer for better air circulation, says Avery.
• “Avoid fabric softener,” advises Sokolowski. “It coats towel fibers and reduces absorbency.”
• Use less detergent than you think. According to Sokolowski, residue tends to build up quickly.
• Adding wool dryer balls can help separate towels when drying to create better airflow and reduce static. “You can also add a few drops of essential oils to the wool dryer balls, like lavender, lemon, or ylang ylang for a natural and pleasant scent,” says Avery.

When Is It Time to Replace Your Towels?

Towels don’t generally experience the type of wear and tear common to linens and clothing. Therefore, it’s hard to know when exactly to dispose of them, says Avery. But eventually, towels do wear out.

According to Sokolowski, you should retire a towel if you notice any of the following:

• The fabric is frayed, torn, or thinning, especially in the middle.
• Your towel smells musty no matter how often you clean it.
• Your towel has permanent stains, holes, or worn edges.
• Your towel is no longer absorbent, or it feels greasy after washing. 
  

What to Do With Your Old Towels

In the event that your old towels are still functional but no longer ideal for personal use, consider donating them to animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or local shelters, as these places often need towels for bedding or for cleanups. (Even old towels can provide comfort and warmth, notes Avery.)

Alternatively, your old, expired towels can be repurposed at home as cleaning rags, pet towels, or for messy DIY tasks, explains Sokolowski. “If they are too worn for donation or upcycling, explore textile recycling options,” suggests Avery.