I purchased a few bath towels from Meijer that have Tencel in them because Caroline thought they were soft and pretty. They were, but they are also a nightmare to wash and maintain.
Rather than trying to explain it myself, here’s what ChatGPT told me when I looked into it.
Needless to say, they are all getting pitched and we’ll buy her some new all cotton ones.
The Answer
You’re noticing that your bath towels containing Tencel (a branded form of lyocell, a fiber made from wood pulp) retain odors even after proper washing, while your other towels do not. This is a known issue for some users of Tencel blend towels. Here’s why this may happen, and what you can do to help:
Why do Tencel towels retain odor?
- Absorption & Moisture Retention
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Tencel is highly absorbent and retains moisture longer than pure cotton towels. Chronically damp towels are a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which are the main sources of persistent smells.
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In blends, if the towel dries slower than 100% cotton towels, these odors tend to linger.
- Bacterial Growth
- The fiber structure of Tencel can trap bacteria and organic material that laundry detergents sometimes can’t fully remove, especially if the towels never get completely dry between uses or are left in the hamper for long.
- Washing Product Buildup
- Tencel fibers can be sensitive to some fabric softeners , which can coat the fibers and make it harder to fully clean the towel during washing. Detergent residue can also contribute.
How to Fix and Prevent Odors
- Wash Towels Hot
- Use the hottest water safe for the towels (check care label). Higher temperatures can kill bacteria and help dissolve any buildup.
- Skip Fabric Softener
- Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets. They coat the fibers and make towels less absorbent—and trap smells.
- Deep Clean Cycle
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Try washing with one cup of white vinegar (no detergent) in a hot wash first to break down buildup, then wash again with detergent.
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Optionally, follow up with a baking soda cycle (add half a cup in a hot wash, no detergent).
- Dry Thoroughly
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Dry towels as soon as the wash is finished—never leave them in the washer.
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Dry on high heat (if allowed) until completely dry . Sun-drying can also help.
- Storage & Use
- Always spread towels open after use and storage. Never hang them bunched up or leave them in a pile.
- Rotate Towels
- Allow towels to rest and dry fully between uses. Two towel sets per person helps.
If Odor Persists…
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Some Tencel towel blends are notorious for this problem and may not suit your household’s needs, especially if the climate is humid or ventilation in your bathroom is poor.
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Pure cotton towels may be better for some people’s needs.
Summary:
Tencel towels smell because they dry slower, can trap detergent residue, and may allow bacteria to thrive. Washing with vinegar and baking soda, thorough drying, and avoiding fabric softeners usually solves the issue. If not, switching to all-cotton may be the best fix.