Bath towels are essential for drying off after a shower or bath. However, if not washed properly, towels can become scratchy, develop odors, and harbor bacteria.
Follow this guide to learn how often to wash towels, what products and settings to use, drying tips, and more for keeping your bath towels fresh and fluffy.
Determine How Frequently To Wash Bath Towels
Wash bath towels after every 3-4 uses. Towels directly contact your wet skin and collect dirt, oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Washing them frequently removes these impurities and prevents odor and bacterial growth.
Hand towels and washcloths should be washed after 1-2 uses since they are used more often. Wash all towels after each use if someone is sick to prevent germ spread.
Launder new towels before first use. Manufacturers add chemical coatings to improve texture and appearance. Washing removes these and enhances absorbency.
Check for musty odors. This signals it’s time to wash, even if used fewer than 3-4 times. Proper drying between uses helps extend the time between washes.
Wash Towels Separately From Other Laundry
Wash towels separately from clothes. Towels can snag delicate fabrics. Also, towels require hotter water, longer wash cycles, and more detergent than most garments.
Separate by color. Wash white towels separately from colored towels to prevent dye transfer and discoloration. Whites stay brighter with hot water while colors keep vibrancy with warm water.
Shake towels before washing. This separates the fibers, allowing for better cleaning between them. It also prevents permanent creases from forming.
Use The Right Products And Machine Settings
Use less detergent. Excess detergent causes buildup leading to stiffness, scratchiness, and reduced absorbency. Use half the recommended amount.
Add non-chlorine bleach for whites. This helps whiten and sanitize. Chlorine bleach can damage fibers. Only use chlorine-free bleach on colors.
Skip fabric softener. It coats fibers, reducing absorption. For softness, use white vinegar during the rinse cycle to remove detergent residue.
Wash whites in hot water. Hot water sanitizes and brightens whites. For colors, use warm water to prevent fading.
Use the normal or towel cycle. These longer cycles allow thorough cleaning. The high spin also removes more water for faster drying.
Follow Proper Drying Techniques
Dry towels immediately after washing. Leaving them wet allows mildew and bacteria to grow. Shake each towel before drying to maximize fluffiness.
Dry on medium or low heat. High heat damages fibers, causing towels to wear out faster. Check periodically to prevent over-drying.
Use dryer balls. Wool or rubber balls help separate fibers for soft, fluffy towels. They also speed up drying time.
Remove from dryer promptly. As soon as towels are completely dry, remove them. Over-drying causes roughness, scratches skin, and shortens towel life.
Hang-dry cautiously. Line or rack drying can make towels stiff. Tumble dry on no heat briefly to soften fibers. Ensure complete drying to avoid mildew.
Properly Store and Maintain Towels
Fold while still warm. Wait until completely dry before storage. Folding while still warm minimizes wrinkles. Store in a cool, dry place.
Wash with vinegar. Every few washes, add vinegar during the rinse cycle. It removes residues that cause stiffness and odors.
Use diluted bleach soak. For dingy whites, soak in cool water mixed with non-chlorine bleach before washing.
Spot treat stains. Use stain remover before washing. Don’t dry towels with remaining stains, it sets them. Re-wash to remove.
Trim snags immediately. This prevents tears. For frayed edges, apply fabric glue then trim loose threads.
Retire old towels. Replace bath towels every 1-2 years with regular use. Turn into rags once they become threadbare or no longer absorbent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash towels with clothes?
It’s best not to. Towels transfer lint to clothes and may snag delicate fabrics. Also, towels require hotter temperatures, longer cycles, and more detergent.
How do I soften stiff, crunchy towels?
Rewash several times with less detergent and add vinegar during rinse cycles. Limit drying time. Reduce using fabric softener and dryer sheets.
Why do my towels have a mildew smell?
Mildew results from damp towels stored for prolonged periods before fully drying. Wash with vinegar. Always completely dry towels between uses and before storage.
How do I get white towels bright again?
Wash in hot water with non-chlorine bleach. Soak in diluted bleach before washing. Add baking soda to the wash cycle for brightening. Use less detergent to avoid residue buildup.
What temperature should I wash towels in?
For whites, use the hottest water recommended. For colors, wash in warm or cool water. Very hot water can cause fading. Always check the care label for recommended washing temperatures.
Conclusion
Follow these tips for keeping bath towels soft, absorbent, and free of odors and bacteria. Wash them frequently using less detergent, and avoid fabric softeners.
Use the warmest water suitable for the fabric, and dry completely on medium or low heat.
With proper care, your bath towels will remain fluffy and last for years.
