A warm, moist environment is conducive to fungal and bacterial growth.

If this occurs, try these tips.

Just thebaking sodashould do the trick.

person smelling towels

The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu

Many swear by the fact thatline-dried itemsgenerallysmell fresher, though they often do not feel as soft.

One way to have the best of both worlds is to do both.

Toss towels in the dryer with one or two new or very clean tennis balls orfelted wool dryer balls.

How to Prevent Musty Towel Odors

The Spruce / Ashley Nicole DeLeon

The balls will fluff up the towels and make them softer.

Work with the person to develop the habit of hanging their towel after each use.

It is also important to switch towels quickly from the washing machine to the dryer.

Hand holding a coat with a Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag on the hanger

The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu

Clean your lint filter regularly to confirm your dryer is running as efficiently as possible.

Also,just like dishwashersand other regularly used appliances, yourwashing machine needs a good cleaningevery now and then.

Fortunately, washing the washer is pretty easy, as the appliance does most of the work for you.

Lysol laundry disinfectant bottle sitting in a laundry basket in front of a washing machine

If you regularly wash your whites withchlorine bleach, then that is sufficient for cleaning your washing machine.

collage of two Gain Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap Plus Aroma Boost on a light tan background

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

tools for removing musty towel odors

The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu

person adding vinegar to the washer compartment

The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu

person adding baking soda to the washing machine

The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu

towels in the dryer with dryer balls

The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu

person hanging a towel on a rack

The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu