Households struggling with musty-smelling towels have found a cheap solution: tumble dryer sheets. A single sheet costs just 6p and can keep stored towels and bedding fresh for weeks.
Why towels go musty
Towels develop a damp, musty odour when they are put away before fully dry or when too many are crammed into a confined space like an airing cupboard, trapping moisture.
One woman posted on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page asking: "How do I stop my stored bedding and towels from smelling musty? Thanks in advance."
The 6p fix
Dozens of group members recommended slipping a tumble dryer sheet between folded towels and bedding before storing them. The fragrance-infused sheets neutralise odours and keep everything smelling fresh.
"Put some tumble dry sheets between them when you store them," advised one group member. Another added: "I put tumble drier sheets in my stored bedding. I placed them in as I folded them. They smell lovely when taken out of storage. I do it with holiday clothes as well."
A third user offered an extra tip: "Make sure they are 100% dry before you put away. Tumble dryer sheets and a dehumidifier in with them."
How it works
Tumble dryer sheets are coated with softening agents and fragrance compounds that transfer onto fabrics. When tucked among stored towels, they release fresh scents over time, masking and preventing musty smells between washes.
A 40-pack costs £2.65 from Tesco, working out at around 6p per sheet.
Other tips
Group members also suggested storing towels alongside bars of unwrapped soap, using vacuum storage bags to limit exposure to damp air, and regularly rotating stock to prevent odours from developing.
