We all want our towels to be not only clean but also fluffy and soft to envelop the skin pleasantly after a bath. How should we wash towels to maintain their softness, prevent them from bleeding, and ensure they last for years? Proper washing, selecting the right program and temperature, as well as proper drying is the key to success. In this article, we will explain what temperature to wash towels at, what to rinse them with, and how to take care of their longevity. Ready for practical tips to make your towels like new again?
What will you learn from this text?
Many guides have already been written about how to wash towels. However, not all of them contain the information you actually need. That's why from our text you will learn:
- How often to wash towels.
- How to do it properly.
- Why it's important for human comfort and health.
Why is proper towel washing so important?
It's important to wash towels regularly to remove bacteria, dirt, and odors that accumulate in their fibers. Towel fibers, especially those made of cotton, tend to absorb moisture, sebum, and cosmetic residues, which can lead to loss of towel softness and unpleasant odors. Regular washing allows you to maintain hygiene and extend their lifespan.
Follow some rules to keep towels clean and pleasant to the touch:
- Sorting colors – colored towels should not be washed with white ones to avoid bleeding,
- Using the right detergent – choose gentle washing agents, preferably intended for cotton fabrics,
- Avoid overloading the washing machine – too many towels in the drum can hinder proper washing and rinsing,
- Avoid excess detergent in the final stage of washing towels – too much powder can cause towels to become stiff.
How often to wash towels?
It's recommended to wash towels every 3-4 uses, which is roughly once a week with regular use. For towels used in the gym or kitchen, where more bacteria accumulate, washing should occur more frequently – even after every use.
What temperature to wash towels at?
What temperature should you conduct the first washing of towels and each subsequent wash, to keep them hygienically clean but not lose their properties? The optimal washing temperature for towels depends on their type and degree of dirtiness:
- White towels – preferably at 60°C, and in the case of heavy soiling even at 90 degrees, to effectively remove bacteria and stains,
- Colored towels – it is recommended to wash at 40°C to prevent colors from fading,
- Delicate towels – for towels made of microfiber or delicate fabrics, 30°C is sufficient to protect their structure.
Washing towels at 90 degrees is particularly recommended in situations where towels are in contact with large amounts of bacteria, e.g., in homes with small children or after illness. It's worth checking labels, as some materials can be damaged at high temperatures.
Boiling towels – is it a good idea?
Boiling towels is a traditional method used by our grandmothers, especially for white towels. It involves boiling them in water with the addition of baking soda or washing powder. This method effectively removes stains and bacteria but can affect the fibers, causing them to wear out faster. Therefore, use it only in exceptional cases, such as for heavy soiling.
How to wash towels properly to keep them soft?
The best will be gentle powders or liquids intended for cotton fabrics. Avoid products with a lot of chemicals, which can settle on the towel fibers and cause stiffness. And how to rinse towels?
To make towels soft, add the following for rinsing:
- Fabric softener – makes towels more pleasant to the touch, but do not use in excess as it can decrease fabric absorbency,
- Vinegar – a natural way to fluff towels. Add half a cup of vinegar to the softener compartment – vinegar removes detergent residue and softens the fabric,
- Baking soda – helps remove unpleasant odors and enhances the effect of washing powder.
How to prevent towels from bleeding?
Colored towels can bleed, especially during the first washes. To prevent this:
- before the first wash, it is advisable to soak towels in cold water with vinegar (1 cup per 5 liters of water) for a few hours,
- we recommend washing new towels separately, preferably at 40°C,
- you can use color-catching sheets, which absorb dye during washing.
What program to wash towels in?
Selecting the washing program has crucial importance for maintaining the softness of towels. The best are programs for cotton or delicate fabrics with moderate spinning. Washing towels – the spinning should not exceed 800-1000 revolutions per minute to not damage the fibers and maintain fluffiness.
How to dry towels to keep them soft and fluffy?
The way you dry towels has a huge impact on their softness and appearance. Here are the best methods:
- Tumble dryer – drying in a dryer on a low temperature program helps achieve fluffy towels. It's worth adding a few tennis balls or special drying balls to the washer drum, which will loosen the fibers,
- Air drying – hanging towels in a well-ventilated place, preferably flat, to avoid deformation. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause colored towels to fade,
- Avoid overheating – too high a temperature in the dryer or on the radiator can make towels stiff.
Additional tricks for fluffiness
To keep towels soft, you can:
- Shake them before hanging, to loosen their fibers,
- Avoid folding towels right after drying – let them 'breathe' for a few hours,
- Regularly remove lint with a fabric shaver, which improves the appearance of towels.
What to avoid to keep towels durable?
Even the best towels can lose their properties if they are not properly washed. Here are the most common mistakes:
- Using too much detergent – excess powder settles on the fibers, reducing absorbency and softness,
- Washing at too high a temperature – in the case of colored towels, too high a temperature can cause fading,
- Too intense spinning – high revolutions can damage towel fibers, making them stiff,
- Lack of color separation – washing white and colored towels together can lead to bleeding.
How to fix stiff towels?
If towels have lost their softness, you should:
- Wash them in warm water with the addition of 1 cup of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda,
- Dry in a tumble dryer with drying balls,
- Avoid excess softeners, which can reduce absorbency.
How to wash towels to enjoy their softness?
Using the right temperature is key – 60°C for white, 40°C for colored towels – and gentle detergents. What to use to wash towels? It's good to choose powders or liquids for cotton, and for rinsing, you can add vinegar or baking soda to get fluffy towels.
How often to wash towels?
Every 3-4 uses, and in the case of intensive use, even more frequently. It's also worth remembering to dry them properly and avoid mistakes like too intense spinning or overheating. With these rules, towels will be soft and durable for a long time! And to discover more practical "bathroom tricks", visit our blog, where we also write about how to choose a showerhead.