How to Get Chlorine Smell Out of Towels (And Keep Them Soft and Absorbent)

You jump out of the pool, dry off with a towel, wash it later, and somehow it still smells like chlorine.

If you've ever wondered why your towels continue to smell like a swimming pool even after they've been washed, you're not alone. Chlorine can cling to towel fibers and build up over time, leaving behind odors, stiffness, and reduced absorbency.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to remove chlorine residue and keep your towels feeling fresh.

Whether you're caring for pool towels at home or managing towels for a gym, swim school, apartment community, or country club, here's how to get chlorine smell out of towels.

Why Do Towels Smell Like Chlorine?

Pool water contains chlorine to help keep the water clean and safe. When towels absorb pool water, chlorine residue can remain trapped inside the fabric fibers.

Over time, this can cause:

• Strong chlorine odors
• Stiff or scratchy towels
• Reduced absorbency
• Fading colors
• Premature wear

The longer chlorine remains in the fabric, the more difficult it becomes to remove completely.

Step 1: Wash Towels As Soon As Possible

One of the easiest ways to prevent chlorine buildup is to wash towels shortly after use.

Avoid:

• Leaving wet towels in a pool bag
• Tossing towels in the trunk of your car
• Allowing damp towels to sit overnight

Doing so can allow odors, bacteria, and chlorine residue to settle deeper into the fibers.

Instead:

• Hang towels to dry if they cannot be washed immediately
• Wash them within 24 hours whenever possible

Step 2: Don't Use Too Much Detergent

Many people try to eliminate odors by adding extra detergent.

Unfortunately, this often makes the problem worse.

Excess detergent can leave residue behind, trapping chlorine and odors inside the fabric.

Using the correct amount of detergent helps towels rinse cleaner and stay softer.

For a detailed breakdown, check out our guide on How Much Detergent Should You Use?

Step 3: Wash With White Vinegar

White vinegar is one of the most effective household solutions for chlorine odor removal.

To remove chlorine smell from towels:

1. Place towels in the washer.
2. Add one cup of white vinegar to the drum.
3. Wash using warm water.
4. Do not add detergent during this cycle.

The vinegar helps dissolve chlorine residue and detergent buildup that may be trapping odors.

Step 4: Run a Second Wash Cycle

After the vinegar cycle:

• Wash again using your normal detergent
• Use the recommended amount only
• Avoid fabric softener

This second wash removes remaining residue and leaves towels smelling fresh.

Step 5: Skip the Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners can make towels feel softer initially, but they often reduce absorbency and trap odors over time.

Instead of fabric softener:

• Use white vinegar occasionally
• Avoid overdrying towels
• Wash towels separately from heavily soiled items

This helps maintain softness naturally.

Step 6: Dry Towels Properly

Drying plays a major role in preventing lingering odors.

For best results:

• Dry towels completely
• Use medium heat
• Remove promptly when dry

Leaving towels slightly damp can encourage odor-causing bacteria to grow.

Why Pool Towels Become Stiff

Many pool owners notice that their towels become rough after a summer of use.

This usually occurs because of:

• Chlorine buildup
• Excess detergent
• Hard water minerals
• Overdrying

If your towels feel stiff, a vinegar wash can often help restore softness.

How to Prevent Chlorine Odors in Towels

The best way to remove chlorine odors is to prevent buildup from happening in the first place.

A few simple habits can help:

Rinse Towels Promptly

Even a quick rinse after swimming helps remove chlorine before it settles into the fabric.

Wash Regularly

Don't allow pool towels to sit for days before laundering.

Avoid Overloading the Washer

Towels need room for water and detergent to circulate properly.

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Too much detergent often creates more odor problems than it solves.

Pool Towels vs. Regular Bath Towels

Pool towels face challenges that standard bath towels don't.

Pool towels are exposed to:

• Chlorine
• Sunscreen
• Sweat
• Body oils
• Dirt and grass

Because of this, they generally require more frequent washing and occasional deep cleaning to maintain performance.

If you're caring for large quantities of pool towels, proper laundering becomes even more important.

When Professional Towel Cleaning Makes Sense

For hotels, apartment communities, fitness centers, swim schools, country clubs, and other organizations, towel management can quickly become overwhelming.

Professional towel laundry service helps ensure towels remain:

• Clean
• Sanitized
• Fresh-smelling
• Soft
• Ready for use

At Get Fresh Start Laundry, we clean towels for businesses throughout Fairfield County and Westchester County. Our commercial laundry process helps remove chlorine buildup, body oils, and odor-causing residue while extending towel life.

You can learn more about our Commercial Laundry Service here:

Other Laundry Issues That Cause Odors

Sometimes chlorine isn't the only culprit.

If your laundry continues to smell unpleasant after washing, you may also be dealing with detergent buildup, mildew, or improper drying.

Our guide on Why Your Laundry Still Smells After Washing (And How to Fix It) covers several additional causes and solutions:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my towels still smell like chlorine after washing?

Chlorine residue can remain trapped in towel fibers, especially if towels sit too long before washing or detergent buildup prevents proper rinsing.

Does vinegar remove chlorine smell from towels?

Yes. White vinegar helps break down chlorine residue and detergent buildup, making it one of the most effective home remedies for chlorine odors.

Can chlorine damage towels?

Over time, chlorine can weaken fibers, reduce absorbency, cause fading, and make towels feel rough.

How often should pool towels be washed?

Pool towels should ideally be washed after every use to prevent chlorine buildup and odor development.

Why are my pool towels stiff?

Stiffness is often caused by chlorine residue, detergent buildup, hard water minerals, or excessive heat during drying.

Whether you're caring for family pool towels at home or managing hundreds of towels for a commercial facility, proper laundering is essential. By removing chlorine residue before it builds up, using the correct amount of detergent, and avoiding common towel-care mistakes, you can keep towels smelling fresh, feeling soft, and performing the way they should all season long.