Stiff, smelly bath towels: why it happens and how to wash them soft and fresh

Quick answer: towels turn stiff mostly from leftover detergent and softener and drying in harsh sun; they smell when they stay damp too long. Fix it by using less detergent with an extra rinse, washing towels separately, using softener sparingly in the final rinse, and drying them fully somewhere airy.

Why towels go stiff

• Too much detergent: thick towels hold on to it if the rinse isn’t thorough.
• Too much fabric softener: it coats cotton fibres, so towels get stiff and absorb less.
• Hard water leaves mineral residue in the fibres.
• Hours in harsh sun make fibres rough.

Why towels smell

• Towels left wet in a closed bathroom dry slowly.
• Packed drums mean towels don’t move or rinse properly.
• A dirty drum passes odours on. See: How to clean your washing machine drum

Rewashing towels so they’re soft and fresh

1. Wash towels separately, filling the drum no more than two-thirds.
2. Use less detergent than for clothes of the same weight.
3. Choose warm water as the care label allows.
4. Add an extra rinse to remove residue.
5. Use softener sparingly in the final rinse. For example, SPY 5-in-1 Fabric Softener uses 50–100ml per 5–7kg; for towels, stay at the low end.
6. Shake towels firmly before drying to lift the fibres.

Drying towels

• Dry where air moves, in gentle sun; avoid a whole day in harsh sun.
• Towels in use: hang them spread out after each use, not bunched on a hook.
• Fold only when fully dry.

How often to wash

Towel	Suggestion
Bath towel	Every 3–4 uses
Face towel	Every 1–2 days
Kitchen towel	Daily

Stubborn odours

For heavily used or sweaty towels, wash with a detergent that helps with odours such as SPY Deep Clean Plus, then dry them thoroughly.

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Read next: Long-lasting fabric softener: choosing and using it