How Much Detergent Do You Really Need? | Tubs & Tumblers Laundry Guide
April 17, 2026
How to Get Rid of Musty Smells in Clothes
April 21, 2026
How to wash towels properly is one of those laundry questions that seems simple—until your towels start smelling musty, feeling stiff, or losing their ability to absorb water. If that sounds familiar, you may be making some common towel-washing mistakes.
At Tubs & Tumblers, we know that getting towels truly clean requires more than simply tossing them into a washing machine. The right water temperature, detergent amount, washer size, and drying method can make a major difference.
Whether you’re washing bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, or a large family-sized load, this guide will show you the right way to wash towels so they stay fresh, soft, clean, and absorbent.
And if you have more towels than your home washer can handle, Tubs & Tumblers in Wayne, Michigan has high-capacity commercial washers and dryers to help make laundry day easier.
Why Proper Towel Care Matters
Towels absorb moisture from your body, but they can also hold onto body oils, sweat, dead skin cells, bacteria, and detergent residue.
Because towels often remain damp between uses, they can also develop unpleasant odors when they aren’t washed and dried properly.
Improper towel care can lead to:
- Musty-smelling towels
- Stiff or scratchy fabric
- Reduced absorbency
- Detergent buildup
- Fabric softener residue
- Faster wear and tear
- Mildew caused by improper drying
Learning how to wash bath towels correctly can help extend their life while keeping them fresh and comfortable.
7 Common Towel-Washing Mistakes
Before we talk about doing it right, let’s clear up what most people are doing wrong
1. Using Too Much Detergent
It’s a myth that more detergent equals cleaner laundry. In reality, excess detergent:
- Builds up in towel fibers
- Traps odors instead of removing them
- Reduces absorbency
Tubs & Tumblers Tip: Our high-efficiency machines are designed to clean thoroughly with the right amount of detergent—not extra. When in doubt, use less.
2. Overloading the Washer
Towels are bulky and absorb a lot of water. When the machine is overloaded:
- Towels don’t rinse properly
- Dirt and detergent get trapped
- Cleaning becomes uneven
Pro Insight from Tubs & Tumblers: Commercial-grade washers (like ours) give towels the space they need to move freely—something most home machines struggle with when overloaded.
3. Mixing Towels with Regular Laundry
Washing towels with clothing might seem efficient, but it causes:
- Lint transfer
- Reduced cleaning effectiveness
- Fiber damage over time
For best results, always wash towels separately.
4. Using Fabric Softener
This is one of the biggest mistakes.
Fabric softener coats towel fibers with a waxy layer, which:
- Reduces absorbency
- Locks in odors
- Makes towels feel artificially soft at first—but worse over time
Tubs & Tumblers Recommendation: Skip the softener entirely. Your towels will perform better without it.
5. Not Drying Towels Properly
Leaving towels damp—even for a short time—can lead to mildew and odors.
At Tubs & Tumblers: Our high-capacity dryers are designed to fully dry thick loads like towels, helping prevent that musty smell that often comes from under-drying at home.
The Right Way to Wash Towels (Step-by-Step)
Let’s walk through the correct process.
Step 1: Sort Your Towels
Separate by:
- Whites vs. colors
- Bath towels vs. kitchen towels
Kitchen towels carry grease and bacteria and should always be washed separately.
Step 2: Use the Right Amount of Detergent
Stick to:
- Manufacturer recommendations—or slightly less
If your towels feel stiff, you’re probably using too much.
Tubs & Tumblers Tip: Our machines are optimized for efficiency, so you’ll often need less detergent than you think when washing with us.
Step 3: Choose the Right Water Temperature
- Hot water: Best for whites and heavily used towels
- Warm water: Ideal for colors
- Cold water: Use only when necessary
Hot water helps remove oils and bacteria more effectively
Step 4: Add Vinegar Instead of Softener
Add:
- ½ cup white vinegar during the rinse cycle
This helps:
- Remove buildup
- Eliminate odors
- Naturally soften fibers
Step 5: Give Towels Room to Move
Fill your washer only about 2/3 full.
Why it matters: Towels need space to agitate properly—and this is where using larger machines at Tubs & Tumblers can make a big difference.
Step 6: Dry Thoroughly
- Shake towels before drying
- Use medium to high heat
- Avoid over-drying
Tubs & Tumblers Advantage: Our commercial dryers dry faster and more evenly, helping towels stay fluffy and fresh without excessive heat exposure.
How Often Should You Wash Towels?
Here’s a simple guideline:
- Bath towels: Every 3–4 uses
- Hand towels: Every 2–3 days
- Washcloths: After each use
- Kitchen towels: Daily
If you’re unsure—wash them. Towels are high-use items and need regular cleaning.
How to Restore Towels That Feel Stiff or Smell
If your towels aren’t feeling right, don’t toss them—restore them.
Deep Cleaning Method
- Wash with hot water + 1 cup white vinegar (no detergent)
- Wash again with ½ cup baking soda (no detergent)
- Dry completely
This removes buildup and resets the fibers.
Tubs & Tumblers Tip: Using high-capacity machines for this process helps thoroughly flush out residue, making the results even more noticeable.
Keeping Towels Soft and Fluffy Long-Term
Skip the Chemicals
Avoid:
- Fabric softener
- Dryer sheets (they can leave residue too)
Use Dryer Balls
Dryer balls help:
- Improve airflow
- Reduce drying time
- Keep towels naturally soft
Don’t Overdry
Too much heat damages fibers. Stick to efficient drying cycles.
When It’s Time to Replace Your Towels
Even with perfect care, towels don’t last forever.
Look for:
- Persistent odor
- Reduced absorbency
- Worn or thinning fabric
Most towels last about 2–3 years with regular use.
Why Where You Wash Matters
Here’s something many people overlook: your washing environment matters just as much as your method.
At Tubs & Tumblers, we provide:
- High-capacity washers that clean more effectively
- Powerful dryers that fully dry thick towels
- Equipment designed to reduce residue buildup
That means your towels don’t just get clean—they get properly clean.
Whether you’re washing a week’s worth of household laundry or just refreshing your towels, using the right equipment can make a noticeable difference in both cleanliness and longevity.
How to Get the Musty Smell Out of Towels
If your towels already have a musty smell, simply adding more detergent isn’t always the answer.
The odor may be caused by moisture, mildew, or product buildup.
Start by washing the towels according to their care labels and make sure they are thoroughly dried afterward.
For persistent odors, consider using a laundry product specifically designed to remove odors and buildup, following the product’s instructions.
Important: Never mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaning products. Always follow product labels carefully.
What Temperature Should You Wash Towels?
Choosing the right laundry temperature is important.
If you’re wondering whether to wash towels in hot or cold water, start by checking the care label.
For many standard cotton towels, warm or hot water may be appropriate, particularly when towels are heavily soiled. However, some specialty fabrics require cooler temperatures.
The goal isn’t simply to use the hottest water possible. The goal is to use the right temperature for the fabric and level of soil.
Why Use a Laundromat to Wash Towels?
For households with lots of towels, a laundromat can make laundry day significantly easier.
At Tubs & Tumblers in Wayne, customers can take advantage of high-capacity commercial washers and dryers that are ideal for bulky and heavy laundry loads.
A laundromat can be especially convenient if:
- You have a large family
- You have multiple loads of towels
- Your home washer is small
- You’re washing bulky bedding
- You need to finish laundry quickly
- Your household produces large amounts of laundry
Instead of running several small loads at home, a larger commercial washer can help you tackle more laundry at once.
Tubs & Tumblers: Your Wayne, Michigan Laundry Solution
If you’re searching for a laundromat in Wayne, MI, Tubs & Tumblers is here to make laundry day easier.
Our laundromat provides customers with convenient access to high-capacity washers and dryers for everyday laundry, towels, bedding, and larger loads.
We also provide wash, dry, and fold laundry services for customers who would rather spend their time doing something else.
Don’t want to spend your day washing, drying, and folding towels?
Let Tubs & Tumblers help.
Our laundry services are designed for busy families, professionals, seniors, and anyone who simply wants to spend less time doing laundry.
Serving Wayne and Surrounding Communities
Tubs & Tumblers proudly serves customers in Wayne and surrounding communities, including:
- Wayne
- Canton
- Westland
- Romulus
- Belleville
- Van Buren Township
Whether you’re looking for a convenient Wayne laundromat, high-capacity laundry machines, or professional wash-dry-fold service, Tubs & Tumblers can help make laundry day easier.
Final Thoughts: Wash Your Towels the Right Way
Learning how to wash towels properly doesn’t have to be complicated.
The most important things to remember are:
- Don’t overload your washing machine
- Use the correct amount of detergent
- Avoid excessive fabric softener
- Choose the appropriate water temperature
- Wash towels separately when possible
- Move towels to the dryer promptly
- Dry towels completely
- Wash towels regularly
And if your home washer simply isn’t large enough for your family’s towel load, consider visiting Tubs & Tumblers in Wayne, Michigan.
From self-service laundry to wash-dry-fold solutions, Tubs & Tumblers is here to help you get more laundry done with less hassle.
Ready to make laundry day easier? Visit Tubs & Tumblers for convenient laundry solutions in Wayne and the surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Towels
How often should you wash bath towels?
Most bath towels should be washed after about three to four uses, assuming they are allowed to dry completely between uses. Towels that remain damp or are heavily used may need to be washed more frequently.
Should towels be washed in hot or cold water?
The best temperature depends on the towel’s care label. Warm or hot water can be appropriate for many cotton towels, while some fabrics should be washed in cooler water.
You can, but frequent use isn’t recommended if you want maximum absorbency. Fabric softener can coat towel fibers and reduce their ability to absorb water.
Musty towel odors can be caused by moisture, mildew, detergent buildup, fabric softener residue, or towels sitting wet in the washer. Thorough washing and complete drying can help prevent odors.
Use the correct amount of detergent, avoid excessive fabric softener, don’t overload the washer, and dry towels completely. Proper washing and drying can help restore the feel and absorbency of your towels.
You can, but washing towels separately is often better. Towels produce lint and require different washing and drying considerations than many clothing items.
Towels are bulky and become very heavy when wet. A high-capacity commercial washer gives them more room to move, which can help with cleaning and rinsing. Large washers are particularly useful when washing multiple towels at once.
Tubs & Tumblers in Wayne, Michigan, offers high-capacity commercial washers and dryers for customers with large laundry loads. Tubs & Tumblers also offers wash-dry-fold laundry services for customers who prefer to leave the washing, drying, and folding to the professionals.
