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LAUNDRY · DIAGNOSIS

Why Do My Towels Smell?

Clean towels that smell like mildew? Answer eight questions about your laundry routine to see the most likely causes, ranked, with fixes for each.

Find the cause

1. What smells?
2. How long until you take laundry out of the washer?
3. Where do you dry it?
4. How long does it take to dry completely?
5. How much detergent and fabric softener do you use?
6. When did you last clean the washer?
7. Wet or sweaty laundry is
8. Does the washer smell like a drain or sewer?

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Example

Towels left in the washer overnight, dried indoors over more than a day, and a washer last cleaned a few months ago: the top causes are slow drying and laundry left in the washer, followed by a dirty washer.

How the diagnosis works

Each answer adds points to one of five causes: laundry left in the washer, slow drying, a dirty washer, too much detergent or softener, and damp laundry waiting in the hamper. Causes are shown from the highest score. If no cause scores at least 2 points, you get the basic habits instead. The point values are our own rule; the causes and fixes come from washer makers’ guidance.

Keep it from coming back

  • Unload right after the cycle and dry laundry fully and quickly.
  • Clean the washer regularly, including the dispenser and the rubber door seal.
  • Store clothes only when completely dry, somewhere with airflow.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my towels smell musty after washing?

Usually mildew and bacteria that grew while the towels stayed damp: left in the washer, dried slowly, or picked up from a washer that needs cleaning. Detergent and softener residue makes it worse.

Can I put vinegar in the washer?

Whirlpool advises against it because vinegar is acidic and can damage the machine over time. Soak the laundry in diluted vinegar in a basin instead, and rinse it before washing.

How often should I clean my washing machine?

LG recommends a Tub Clean cycle 1 to 2 times a month and Whirlpool about once a month. Leaving the door and detergent drawer open after each wash helps it dry out between loads.

Is it safe to mix bleach and vinegar to kill the smell?

No. Bleach mixed with an acid such as vinegar gives off chlorine gas, and bleach with ammonia gives off chloramine gas. Use one product at a time.

Sources and last updated

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