Guide to Properly Washing Towels

Home Improvement

It can be difficult to maintain the quality of towels after numerous washes. They tend to lose their fluffiness and freshness. Washing towels is different from regular laundry. Even new towels require special attention when being washed. Here are some tips for properly washing towels.

First, follow these dos:

• Soak new towels overnight in a mixture of water and ammonia. Next, wash in cold water with distilled vinegar and laundry detergent.
• Run new towels through the dryer’s spin cycle a few times to remove excess lint. Clean the lint trap after each cycle.
• Wash microfiber towels in cold water and air dry when possible. If using a dryer, use the coolest setting.
• To eliminate musty smells and wax buildup, add a cup of distilled vinegar to the towel load every few washes. To restore fluffiness, add half a cup of baking soda to the load.

Now, here are some don’ts:

• Avoid using bleach or fabric softener when washing towels.
• Do not wash old towels with new towels.
• Do not wash towels of different colors together.
• Do not wash different types of towels together.
• Avoid washing towels with other laundry items.
• Never overload the washing machine or dryer.

FAQ

1. What’s the best way to wash towels?

When it comes to washing towels, the best way is to use hot water and a good quality detergent. The hot water helps to kill bacteria and remove dirt and stains from the fabric. Be sure to separate white towels from colored ones to avoid color bleeding. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can reduce the towels’ absorbency.

2. How often should you wash towels?

Towels should be washed after every three to four uses depending on their purpose. Hand towels should be washed more frequently than bath towels as they tend to get dirty more quickly. If you have a large family or guests frequently use your bathroom, consider washing your towels more often.

3. Can you wash towels with other clothes?

Yes, you can wash towels with other clothes, but it’s best to separate them from delicate items to avoid damage. Avoid washing towels with items that have zippers or hooks that can snag the towels. It’s also best to avoid washing towels with items that have buttons, as they can cause pilling on the towels.

4. Can you wash towels in cold water?

While it’s best to wash towels in hot water, you can also wash them in cold water. However, using cold water may not be as effective in killing bacteria and removing stains as hot water. If you choose to wash towels in cold water, use a good quality detergent and add some white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove any lingering odors.

5. How should you dry towels?

Towels should be dried in a hot dryer or hung outside in the sun to dry. Avoid over-drying towels in the dryer, as it can damage the fibers and reduce their absorbency. If you’re drying towels outside, be sure to hang them in a well-ventilated area to avoid mildew and bacteria growth.

6. Should you use bleach to wash towels?

While bleach can be effective in removing stains and killing bacteria, it can also damage the fabric and reduce the towels’ lifespan. If you choose to use bleach, be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and avoid using it on colored towels. Instead of bleach, consider using white vinegar or baking soda to help remove stains and odors from towels.

7. Can you wash towels in a washing machine with a front-loading door?

Yes, you can wash towels in a front-loading washing machine. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and avoid overloading the machine. Front-loading machines tend to use less water than top-loading machines, so it’s important to use the appropriate amount of detergent to ensure that the towels are properly cleaned.

8. How should you store clean towels?

Once your towels are clean and dry, be sure to store them in a cool, dry place to avoid mildew and bacteria growth. Keep them in a well-ventilated area and avoid storing them in plastic bags or containers, as this can trap moisture and lead to musty odors. Consider using open shelves or a towel rack to store your towels.

9. Can you wash new towels with other towels?

Before washing new towels, be sure to wash them separately from your other towels to avoid color bleeding. New towels tend to shed a lot of lint during their first few washes, so it’s best to wash them on their own to avoid getting lint all over your other clothes or towels.

10. How can you keep towels soft and fluffy?

To keep your towels soft and fluffy, avoid using fabric softeners, as they can reduce their absorbency. Instead, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help soften the fabric and remove any lingering odors. You can also add a tennis ball or dryer ball to the dryer to help fluff up the towels.