Squeeze, shake, and let the sun do the work

Squeeze out as much water as you can, then give it a good shake before hanging it up.

That’s the whole trick. The faster you remove the bulk water, the faster the towel dries. Wringing it tight (twist it hard, then twist the opposite direction) gets way more water out than you think. Then a sharp snap-flap shake opens the fibers so air can circulate. Hang it in direct sun with a breeze if possible—over a balcony railing, a fence, or even a clean car window (roll it up on the edge). The sun’s UV kills smells too.

Don’t bother with the “roll it in a dry towel” hack unless you’re in a hotel room with no windows. It works, but it’s more work than just wringing properly.

A beach towel doesn’t