Towels are a necessity in life, as they provide convenience and comfort. It plays a major role in personal hygiene, from wiping the face and hands to drying off after a shower. However, after you buy a bath towel online, regular use and not washing them frequently leads to bad odour and the accumulation of germs, bacteria, etc., reducing their freshness and softness. There are certain things to do and not do when it comes to towels and maintaining their hygiene and softness. Read below to learn more about them.
Do’s Of Washing Towels
Wash Before First Use
The above tip sounds strange but it is a crucial step, as new towels may have a coating due to the manufacturing process and that can decrease their absorbency. A quick dip or a wash in the washing machine takes that away and makes the towels effective from the first use. Plus, there are many retailers who offer a return policy if they are not satisfied with the product. So it makes sense to first wash the towel before use so that you are sure that it has not been used before.
Separate the Towels
You may or may not separate the white and coloured fabrics, but the thumb rule for washing towels is to wash them separately. The reason is that towels have lint, which can stick to other clothes and spoil them. Plus, washing towels with other fabrics can lead to colour bleeding, which can stain clothes.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are not just kitchen staples but are also great weapons to keep your clothes soft and fresh. Add half a cup of vinegar during the rinse stage every few weeks and that will remove soap residues that lead to roughness and restore the softness. If you find that the towel has an odour, wash it with vinegar and then wash again with baking soda, and that can remove even the deep-set unpleasant smell.
Use Detergent Sparingly
When washing towels, use less detergent, as using too much of it can lead to a soapy residue, making the towels less absorbent. It is recommended that you use half the quantity of detergent you usually use for regular laundry so that it can retain its softness too.
Dry Towels Properly
If how you wash your towels is important, then how you dry them is equally important too. If possible, use a tumble dry option on a low heat setting with a clean tennis ball or dryer ball to fluff them up. If you are sun-drying then shake the towels and hang them. This prevents the clumping of fibres and also helps in maintaining fluffiness.
Don’ts of Washing Towels
Avoid using Fabric Softener
It may be called a fabric softener but if you use it frequently on a towel, it can reduce the fluffiness and also leave a waxy residue, which reduces absorbency.
Avoid Leaving Wet Towels in the Machine
Doing that can lead to the growth of mould and a musty smell. As soon as the load is done, hang them to dry or transfer them to the dryer.
Avoid Overloading the Machine
Do not cram the machine, as it does not have enough space to clean thoroughly.
Follow the above dos and don’ts and keep your towels in great condition for a long time.