Keep your towels fresher, longer with this easy hotel-inspired method
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Few things are more frustrating than stepping out of a shower and reaching for a towel that smells less than clean. 
Many people assume their detergent or washing habits are to blame, but the real issue could be something much simpler.
It turns out that where you hang your towels between washes plays a bigger role in freshness than you might think.
Some of the world’s most trusted hotels rely on one surprisingly easy trick to keep their linens crisp and clean for guests.
 
While most households hang towels back in the bathroom, experts say that’s exactly what causes them to develop that familiar musty odor.
Bathrooms tend to hold moisture and humidity long after a shower, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive on damp fabric.
According to a 2023 study in Scientific Reports, towels trap more moisture than other linens, allowing yeasts, molds, and allergens to flourish.
	

That’s why many hotels have a strict rule to hang towels outside the bathroom where they can dry completely before their next use.
Keeping towels fresh doesn’t require fancy products or constant laundering, just a better drying setup. Start by washing your towels thoroughly—and if the fabric allows, use a bit of bleach to eliminate lingering bacteria.
Then, find a place outside the bathroom, such as a hallway hook or a rack in the bedroom, to let them air out fully between uses.
Also read: 5 easy ways to dry your laundry faster—No extra heat or cost required!
Some homeowners even use freestanding towel warmers in laundry rooms or other well-ventilated areas for faster drying and longer-lasting freshness.
If your towels still smell musty after following these steps, the problem could lie elsewhere in the bathroom.
Bath mats, hand towels, and even shower curtains can all trap moisture and contribute to unpleasant odors.
Also read: Neglect this washing machine part and pay the price—Clean it now before it's too late!
Swapping out or drying these items in a separate space can make a big difference in keeping your entire bathroom environment cleaner.
And if smells linger beyond linens, it may be worth checking for deeper causes such as mold, leaky pipes, or a dirty HVAC system.
Read next:
    
        
    
    
        
Simple habits often make the biggest difference when it comes to home care, and towel freshness is no exception. Moving your towels out of the bathroom could save you from endless rewashing and wasted detergent. It’s an easy change that hotels swear by—and for good reason. Will you be trying this hotel trick to keep your towels fresher longer?
				
			Many people assume their detergent or washing habits are to blame, but the real issue could be something much simpler.
It turns out that where you hang your towels between washes plays a bigger role in freshness than you might think.
Some of the world’s most trusted hotels rely on one surprisingly easy trick to keep their linens crisp and clean for guests.
While most households hang towels back in the bathroom, experts say that’s exactly what causes them to develop that familiar musty odor.
Bathrooms tend to hold moisture and humidity long after a shower, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive on damp fabric.
According to a 2023 study in Scientific Reports, towels trap more moisture than other linens, allowing yeasts, molds, and allergens to flourish.

	Keep your towels fresher, longer with this easy hotel-inspired method. Image source: Antonio Araujo / Unsplash
That’s why many hotels have a strict rule to hang towels outside the bathroom where they can dry completely before their next use.
Keeping towels fresh doesn’t require fancy products or constant laundering, just a better drying setup. Start by washing your towels thoroughly—and if the fabric allows, use a bit of bleach to eliminate lingering bacteria.
Then, find a place outside the bathroom, such as a hallway hook or a rack in the bedroom, to let them air out fully between uses.
Also read: 5 easy ways to dry your laundry faster—No extra heat or cost required!
Some homeowners even use freestanding towel warmers in laundry rooms or other well-ventilated areas for faster drying and longer-lasting freshness.
If your towels still smell musty after following these steps, the problem could lie elsewhere in the bathroom.
Bath mats, hand towels, and even shower curtains can all trap moisture and contribute to unpleasant odors.
Also read: Neglect this washing machine part and pay the price—Clean it now before it's too late!
Swapping out or drying these items in a separate space can make a big difference in keeping your entire bathroom environment cleaner.
And if smells linger beyond linens, it may be worth checking for deeper causes such as mold, leaky pipes, or a dirty HVAC system.
Read next:
- This bathroom mystery has been flushed away—Here’s the answer!
 - No lint brush? Try these 9 genius tips to instantly refresh your clothes!
 
        Key Takeaways
    
    - Experts say that keeping towels out of humid bathrooms helps prevent the growth of bacteria and mold that cause bad smells.
 - Hotels use this simple trick to keep towels fresher for longer between washes.
 - Hanging them in a dry, well-ventilated space and washing them weekly can make a noticeable difference.
 - Even small changes, like using a towel warmer or drying bath mats separately, can help maintain a cleaner home.