Washing your towels correctly is important for keeping them clean, soft, and long-lasting. We all use towels daily, and if they aren’t cleaned the right way, they can become rough, less absorbent, and even start to smell. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple steps on how to wash towels properly, and how often to wash them. Let’s get started!
How Often Should You Wash Towels?
One of the most common questions is, how often should I wash my towels? Experts say you should wash bath towels every three to four uses to stop bacteria from building up. Hand towels, which are used more often, should be washed every couple of days to keep them fresh. Towels are often damp, and depending on your bathroom, they may take a while to dry. To keep them in good condition, don’t wait too long before washing them.
How to Wash Towels: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s go through the best way to wash towels, so they stay fresh, fluffy, and last longer.
1. Separate Towels from Other Laundry
Before you start washing towels, always separate them from another laundry like clothes. Washing towels with clothing can cause lint to transfer onto your clothes. Buttons and zippers from clothes can also damage towels. For the best results, wash towels by themselves.
2. Wash New Towels before First Use
If you just bought new towels, it’s important to wash them before using them. New towels often have chemicals from the factory that can make them less absorbent. Washing them first will remove these chemicals and help make the towels softer. When learning how to wash new towels, avoid washing them with older towels the first few times, as new towels may release dye that can stain your other laundry.
3. Use the Right Water Temperature
Warm water is usually best for washing towels. It’s hot enough to clean the towels and kill germs but not so hot that it damages the fabric. For white towels, using hot water can help keep them bright. Always check the towel’s care tag to see what water temperature is recommended.
4. Don’t Use Too Much Detergent
Many people think more detergent means cleaner towels, but that’s not true. Too much detergent can make towels feel stiff because it leaves residue behind. Use about half the normal amount of detergent when washing towels. For extra freshness, you can add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar helps get rid of detergent buildup and bad smells.
5. Skip the Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners can make towels feel less absorbent by coating the fibers with a waxy substance. Instead of using fabric softener, add a half-cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle to naturally soften towels and remove any leftover detergent.
6. Don’t Overload the Washing Machine
To get the best results, don’t stuff too many towels into the washing machine at once. Towels need room to move around in the water. Overloading the machine means the towels won’t get as clean. For large towels, it’s best to wash only three or four at a time.
Special Tips for Different Types of Towels
Not all towels are the same, and different towels need different care. Here’s how to wash different types of towels:
1. Bath Towels: Wash every three to four uses. Use warm water and mild detergent, and add vinegar once a month to keep them soft.
2. Hand Towels: Wash these more often since they’re used several times daily. Use warm water and skip the fabric softeners.
3. Kitchen Towels: Kitchen towels pick up food and grease. Wash them in hot water and add baking soda to get rid of smells and stains.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Towels
1. Using Too Much Detergent
A common mistake is using too much detergent. Extra detergent can leave a residue that makes towels feel stiff. It’s better to use the right amount or even a little less to make sure your towels get fully rinsed.
2. Skipping the Rinse Cycle
Make sure your washing machine completes the rinse cycle. Adding an extra rinse can also help remove all the detergent. This keeps your towels soft and absorbent.
3. Using High Heat
Using high heat can damage towels in both the washer and dryer. High heat can shrink towels and make them feel rough. Always use a medium temperature to keep your towels in good shape.
Keeping Towels Fresh Between Washes
If you want to keep your towels fresh between washes, there are a few easy tricks you can use. After each use, hang your towel to dry completely, and avoid leaving it in a pile on the floor or a basket, as this can lead to mildew and bad smells. Switching out your towels every few days helps them stay fresh, allowing each one to dry fully before being used again.
Conclusion
Washing your towels properly is simple, but it makes a big difference in how they feel and how long they last. By following these easy steps, such as washing towels separately, using less detergent, avoiding fabric softeners, and drying them carefully, you’ll enjoy clean, soft towels every time you use them. Plus, now that you know how often to wash towels and how to keep them smelling fresh, your towels will stay in great shape for years.