The Ultimate Guide to Wash and Care for Towels

We must always maintain hygiene in every situation. One of the things that need to be hygienic before every use is a towel. Towels are something that we use daily. So, it is very important to keep them clean and fresh always. If you want to know the right ways to wash towels, you are at the right place! In this article, you will find the correct method to do it, along with some tips to keep them soft and fresh. So, without any further delay, let’s begin.

We know that one can wash the towel by simply putting it in the washing machine, but sometimes it is essential to take more care to make them long-lasting and fresh. Always check the fabric care label on the towel before you proceed!

Tips to Know for Washing Towels

Here are the best tips that you must follow to take proper care of your towels:

Wash the New Towel Before Use

It is necessary to wash the newly bought towel before you start using it. Towels kept in the store may have dirt in them, and using them directly to clean your face or body is a bad idea. So, ensure that you wash the towel first before you use it.

Use Hot Water

It is always recommended to wash your towels in warm water and not in cold water. Towels catch body oils, skincare products, makeup, etc., from our skin. Warm water will help to remove these residues and keep odor away.

Use Vinegar for Washing

To retain the color of the towel, use vinegar while washing colored towels. Take half a cup of vinegar in warm water, and add liquid laundry detergent. Use this mixture to wash the towel. But do not use vinegar in each wash- every third or fourth time is enough.

Frequency of Washing Towels

It is very important to wash your towel at least twice a week to keep it clean and fresh. You can use the daily laundry detergent with lukewarm water to wash it. Add some bleaching powder for more effective results.

Wash Towels Separately

It is crucial to wash your towels separately and not with other clothes. Washing towels along with regular clothes can lead to the transfer of germs from one to the other. Even color transfer can also occur, which may ruin your towel or any other garment. And if it is a white towel, you definitely should wash it separately.

Use Fabric Softener

To keep your towels soft all the time, use a store-bought fabric softener while washing them. But remember- do not use it in every use to avoid any kind of build-ups on the towel; use the softener in every third or fourth wash. Follow the instructions mentioned in the fabric softener bottle for quantity.

Keep Two for Each Person

At least have two towels for each member of your family. One should not use another’s towel, as it is very unhygienic. So it is better to have two. If one towel is out for washing or drying, you can use the other one.

How to Dry Towels?

Drying towels is as important as washing them. Since towels are usually of heavy fabric, they take longer time to dry than usual clothes. You can use the dryer to dry them, but the best way will be to hang them under the sun to let them dry. This will also kill the bacteria, if any, from the towel. However, make sure that you do not overdry them, as it can damage the fabric quality. Remember that you do not iron your towel as it can ruin its softness and make it less fluffy.

How to Remove Odor from Towel?

If you get any odor or weird smell from the towel, you must clean it before using it again. Take half a cup of baking soda in warm water and wash the towel in it. Then, rewash it with laundry detergent and dry it properly because dampened towels can lead to more odor.

How to Store Towels?

Before you store the towel, shake it to remove excess fabric or dust, if any. Now, neatly fold the towels after drying them properly. Three folds are ideal for the proper utilization of bathroom shelves. Alternatively, you can also roll them up to store. Keep them with a few drops of lavender essential oils to make them smell fresh all the time.

When to Buy a New Towel?

Even if after repeated washes, there is still an unpleasant smell or if the towel has worn out, it is time for you to buy a new towel. Make sure you invest in a good one and do not compromise on its quality if you want a long-lasting towel.

Now, you are all set to make your towel look and smell fresh!