Yes, putting wet towels in the dryer without properly drying them can cause them to develop a sour or musty smell. This unpleasant odor is often a result of the towels not drying completely and bacteria or mildew starting to grow in the damp environment.
To prevent your towels from smelling bad when drying them in the dryer, it's important to follow these steps:
Shake out excess moisture: Before placing the wet towels in the dryer, give them a gentle shake to remove any excess water.
Properly load the dryer: Avoid overloading the dryer to allow for proper airflow and thorough drying. If the towels are too tightly packed, they may not dry evenly, leading to a potential odor issue.
Use dryer sheets or fabric softeners: Adding dryer sheets or fabric softeners to the dryer can help give the towels a fresh scent. These products can help mask any potential odors that may arise during drying.
Ensure towels are fully dry: Set the dryer to an appropriate drying cycle and ensure that the towels are completely dry before removing them. If needed, add extra drying time to ensure thorough drying.
Promptly remove towels from the dryer: Once the towels are dry, promptly remove them from the dryer to prevent them from sitting in a warm, enclosed environment that can lead to moisture accumulation and potential odor development.
If you notice that your towels still have a lingering smell after drying them, consider rewashing them with a small amount of vinegar or baking soda. These natural odor-removing agents can help eliminate any residual smells. Additionally, it's essential to maintain good towel hygiene by washing them regularly, avoiding excessive use of fabric softeners, and ensuring they are fully dry before storage.