Towels - the unsung heroes of our self-care routine deserve a little TLC, too. How else will you keep them soft and hygienic, whether it is your face towel, hand towel, trusty gym towel, or delicate baby towel?
Caring for your towels might seem slightly more complex than it is. Different fabrics, such as cotton, bamboo, or even banana towels require special care, but fret not - it won’t add up to your workload; we promise.
So dear towel connoisseurs, let’s dive into the fine art of towel care and explore what it takes to keep them fresh and fluffy.
How To Wash Towels
Before you toss those towels into the frothy abyss of your washing machine, ask yourself these three important questions:
1) How can I prevent my towels from shrinking?
Avoid washing your towels in hot water and opt for a gentle machine cycle to prevent them from shrinking. Hot water also damages their texture, making them rough and unsuitable for sensitive skin. If you want to preserve your towels’ softness and size, use cold or normal-temperature water to wash them, and as stated above, don’t forget to clean them in a gentle cycle.
2) Which detergent should I use to clean towels?
It’s always better to go easy on the suds as too much detergent will leave a soapy residue and make your towels less absorbent. Use a mild, eco-friendly detergent for cotton towels, and something even more gentle for banana, bamboo, and aloe vera towels. Care for them like you would a baby and choose the gentlest detergent you can lay your hands on.
3) How to dry towels?
Remember that heat is the enemy of fluff. You must, therefore, resist the temptation to dry your towels in the hottest dryer setting. Instead, let them air-dry nicely for that soft, long-lasting feel, or tumble dry on a gentle setting if you’re in a rush.
While these questions will help you keep your towels clean without ruining them, the following tips will help you up your towel care game.
Pro Tips for Long-lasting Towels
Now that you’re a pro at washing your towels, let’s ensure they serve longer and serve well.
1) Wash your towels separately
Do your towels a favor and give them some space to breath and tumble freely.
Packing your washing machine to its highest limit is the quickest way to shorten their lifespan. It can lead to wear and tear of your bath towels, compromising their absorbency, and inadequate cleaning and rinsing.
It also makes the towels a breeding ground for mold and mildew and leaves them smelling unpleasant.
You can prevent these towel troubles by washing them separately. Doing so also ensures your towels come out clean and lint-free.
2) Avoid fabric softeners
We know this sounds counterintuitive, but fabric softeners leave a waxy coating on towels making them less absorbent.
Just a mild detergent and a gentle wash cycle will increase your towels’ lifespan while maintaining their quality.
3) Store them mindfully
Storing your towels the right way will ensure they remain fresh, fluffy, and ready to provide you with a delightful drying experience whenever you need them.
Stack, fold, or roll them properly in a clean and dry place. If your towels have hanging loops, hang them properly in a clean place.
Storage options, such as wicker baskets and clear bins, can add a touch of elegance to your bathroom décor while making it super-convenient to store your towels.
Ensure the storage locations are not damp and are well-ventilated. Use moisture absorbers if needed to keep your towels dry.
Here’s another bonus tip – use the first-in-first-out method when using towels to prevent the old lot from sitting too long between washes.
These dos and don’ts will help you become the master of clean towels, free from the perils of shrinkage, stiffness, and that dreaded unpleasant odor. Go ahead and give your towels the tender love and care they deserve.