How to Wash Your Workout Towel So It Stays Fresh
By MoveActive USA | Grip Socks & Accessories for Pilates, Yoga | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the best way to wash microfibre and terry workout towels, remove sweat smells, and keep them absorbent and fresh for every session.
Quick Answer
Wash your workout towel after every use with a mild detergent, skip fabric softener, and air-dry or tumble dry on low to keep it absorbent and odor-free.
Why microfibre and terry towels need different care
Microfibre towels are made of ultra-fine synthetic fibers that trap moisture and dry quickly. Terry towels use looped cotton or a cotton blend that feels plush but holds more water and takes longer to dry. These differences affect how you wash and dry them.
Fabric softener is the biggest enemy of both types. It coats the fibers and reduces absorbency. For microfibre, it can also make the towel less effective at wiping away sweat. Avoid it entirely, or use a small amount of white vinegar in the rinse cycle instead.
Bleach can break down synthetic fibers and fade colors. If you need to sanitize, use oxygen bleach or a sports detergent designed for activewear.
Step-by-Step Workout Towel Care
- Rinse and air out right after your workout: As soon as you finish, rinse the towel with cold water to remove sweat and salts, then hang it to air out. Don't leave it wadded in a gym bag—this traps moisture and lets bacteria grow. A quick rinse prevents odors from setting in before the wash.
- Wash on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water: Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent and set the machine to a gentle cycle. Cold water is fine for most towels; warm water (up to 40°C/105°F) can help remove heavier sweat buildup. Avoid hot water, which can damage elastic and synthetic fibers. Check the care label—if in doubt, cold water is always safe.
- Skip fabric softener and bleach: Fabric softener coats the fibers and ruins absorbency. Instead, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize odors naturally. Never use chlorine bleach on microfibre or colored terry towels. Vinegar is a natural alternative that keeps towels fluffy and fresh.
- Dry properly: air-dry or tumble dry on low: Air-dry microfibre towels—they dry quickly and last longer without heat. Terry towels can go in the dryer on low or medium heat, but remove them while slightly damp to avoid stiffness. High heat can shrink or melt synthetic fibers. If you use a dryer, add a few tennis balls to fluff terry towels without heat damage.
- Store dry and ready for your next session: Once completely dry, fold or roll your towel and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in a damp bathroom or gym bag, which can cause mildew and musty smells. A dry towel is a fresh towel—always check before packing.
Towels that make care easier
- Workout Towel - Matcha: The Workout Towel - Matcha is made with premium microfibre fabric for optimal absorption and has a compact, portable design. Its quick-drying microfibre means you can air-dry it fast between sessions, and the compact size makes it easy to toss in a gym bag.
Workout Towel - Matcha - Workout Terry Towel - Almond: The Workout Terry Towel - Almond uses high-quality terry towelling fabric for optimal absorption and comes in a larger size. The larger terry surface is great for full-body coverage, but it needs more drying time, so plan to wash it earlier before your next workout.
Workout Terry Towel - Almond
