Towels are often the first textiles to start to feel dull. They can become stiff, lose their softness or start to smell musty even though they are washed regularly. Many people find that towels in particular never really feel fresh, no matter how often they are washed.
There are several reasons for this, and most of them are not about poor hygiene but about how towels are used and washed.
Towels collect more than you think
Towels absorb large amounts of water, skin oil and soap residue every time they are used. Since they often do not have time to dry completely between uses, a humid environment is created where bacteria and microorganisms thrive.
Even if the towel looks clean, there may be residue left in the fibers that over time leads to odor.
Too much detergent makes towels stiff
A common mistake is to use too much detergent when washing towels. Many people think that thick terry towels need extra detergent, but the result is often the opposite.
When the detergent is not rinsed out properly:
– residues build up in the fibers
– the towel loses its softness
– the fabric absorbs less
– odors stick more easily
Towels then feel hard and "stiff" instead of soft and airy.
Fabric softener can impair both odor and absorbency.
Fabric softener forms a film around the fibers. This may make towels soft at first, but in the long run it often leads to problems.
The towel:
– sucks worse
– retains moisture longer
– creates a better environment for smell
This is a common reason why towels start to smell even though they are freshly washed.
Too low a temperature can leave behind an odor
Towels are exposed to more bacteria than regular clothes. If they are always washed at a low temperature, odors and microorganisms can remain in the fabric.
This doesn't mean that towels need to be washed hot every time, but occasionally using a higher temperature can make a big difference to freshness.
Towels that don't dry properly smell faster
If towels are hung tightly, in a damp bathroom, or folded before they are completely dry, they often start to smell even if they are clean.
Odors occur not only in the washing machine but also afterwards, when moisture is trapped inside the fabric.
The washing machine has more impact than you think
Just like with clothes, dirt, grease, and detergent residue from the washing machine can settle into towels. Because towels are thick, they easily absorb such residue, contributing to both stiffness and odor.
