After a relaxing soak in the bathtub or a luxuriously long shower, nothing beats the comfort of wrapping yourself up in a big fluffy towel. We all deserve hotel-worthy bath towels at home, but keeping even the highest-quality towels in tip-top condition is easier said than done. So, if your towels are feeling more sandpaper than spa-like, fear not. Here, we’ve put together a quick guide on how to wash towels to keep them soft, fresh and fluffy for years to come.
Should you wash new towels before use?
We recommend giving your towels a quick wash before using them for the first time. New towels often have some residue left over from the softeners added during the finishing process. An initial wash will remove this residue so the towels can absorb water more easily. It will also get rid of any leftover lint or loose fibres from the weaving process.
What is the best wash cycle for towels?
Machine wash your towels on a regular or normal cycle. This setting provides enough agitation to thoroughly clean your towels while preserving their softness. For any stains, treat these quickly with a targeted stain remover. For particularly grubby towels consider adding a pre-wash cycle.
What temperature should you wash towels at?
The general rule of thumb is to wash towels at 40°C. This will be hot enough to kill off germs and remove any loose towel fibres. If towels need a deeper clean, you can wash them at a higher temperature, but doing this too often risks damaging the delicate fibres of the towel, which can lead to a rough feeling over time.
What is the best way to keep towels soft?
Use a mild detergent to wash your towels and avoid adding too much to the machine. If you notice that your towels feel stiff, this is a sign you’re overdoing it. Always separate your towels by colour and don’t overload the washing machine drum. The towels need enough room to move around so they are washed and rinsed thoroughly. It’s best to avoid using fabric softeners too, as they can reduce the absorbency of towels and make them hard and scratchy over time.
Should you wash towels with vinegar?
If you notice your towels feel stiff and scratchy, detergent has likely built up on the fibres. To make your towels soft and fluffy again, first hand wash them with a cup of white vinegar. Rinse off the vinegar and machine wash as usual. We don’t recommend adding vinegar directly to the washing machine, as it can corrode the plastic and rubber parts, potentially causing leaks. If your towels still feel stiff, repeat the process but with half a cup of baking soda instead.
Is it better to air dry or tumble dry towels?
Towels can be tumble-dried or air-dried – the choice is yours! If tumble drying, choose a low heat setting and add a few wool laundry balls to the drum to help soften the fabric and reduce drying time. Avoid using scented dryer sheets, as these can leave a waxy residue on the fibres, reducing the towels' absorption.
If drying by air, lay the towels flat on a drying rack or hang them up on the washing line outside. If they feel stiff after drying, pop them in the dryer for a few minutes to help soften the fibres. Air-drying can extend the life of your towels, so this is our preferred option. To finish, give your towels a good shake to help fluff up the fibres and make sure they are completely dry before putting them away.
How often should you wash your towels?
How often you need to wash your towels depends on how you use them, but a good guideline is to change them at least once per week. For bath towels, this is usually frequent enough to prevent germs and unpleasant smells. For face cloths or towels used at the gym, we’d recommend washing them after every use, and you may want to wash hand towels more frequently too.
How often should you replace your towels?
Just like bedsheets, towels are one of the most hard-working items in our homes. Following correct care advice will help prolong the life of your towels, but as a general guide, towels usually need replacing every two or three years. If you notice fraying edges, thinning fabric, loose threads, or a musty odour that just won’t shift, it might be time to throw in the towel.
Our towels are woven from high-quality zero-twist cotton, giving them a soft and smooth feel with unparalleled absorbency. Available in a range of styles and playful colours, they’re perfect for brightening up bathrooms and elevating your everyday routine. Browse our full collection of towels to find your favourite!
