Experts Advise Quick Drying of Wet Towels to Prevent Bad Odors After Swimming

After returning from the pool, many people toss their wet towels and swimsuits into a bag and postpone washing them, which often leads to unpleasant odors. Experts explain that the main cause of the smell is the combination of moisture, lack of airflow, and time inside a closed bag, creating ideal conditions for bacteria and mold growth. The American Cleaning Institute and Utah State University recommend drying towels thoroughly between uses to avoid this problem.

A simple, under-a-minute action can prevent odors: immediately upon arriving home, open the bag, remove all wet items, and spread them out to dry in a well-ventilated area rather than leaving them bunched up or rolled inside the bag. This practice is preferable even if you cannot wash the towels right away, as a dry dirty towel is better than a damp one stored in a closed space.

If a towel already smells musty, adding more scented detergent or fabric softener will not solve the root problem. The towel should be washed according to care instructions and dried completely. In cases of visible mold, special treatment is necessary. Additionally, the bag used to carry wet items should also be emptied, aired out, and dried to prevent reintroducing moisture and odors to clean towels.

Using a sealed bag for wet swimsuits is helpful for transport but should not be used for storage beyond the trip home. Developing the habit of promptly airing out wet items can prevent the common cycle of forgotten bags, bad smells, extra laundry, and towels that never seem truly clean. The key takeaway for summer is: if you cannot wash wet towels immediately, at least do not leave them wet and closed up.