Everyone around the globe relishes the indulgent sensation of a towel against their skin after bathing. Initially, whether it’s a body, face, hair, or hand towel, they all possess a delightful softness and velvety texture. However, after approximately a month of regular use, these once luxury egyptian cotton towels tend to lose their plushness and develop an unpleasant scratchiness. We can all relate to this experience, where one day our towels resemble heavenly clouds, only to transform into sandpaper the next. Thankfully, there exists a simple solution to prevent this undesirable outcome when it comes to bath towels. By adhering to our simple tips and tricks, you can extend the lifespan of your towels significantly. If you’re seeking advice on extending the lifespan of your towels, you’re in the right place. Here are some helpful suggestions and techniques to maintain the freshness and softness of your bath towels over an extended period:
Washing
When it comes to caring for your towels, we recommend a washing routine of once a week or after every third use. Many people tend to wash their towels in the washing machine at a high temperature of 90°C, with a typical cycle lasting around three hours. However, it’s crucial to break away from this habit immediately as it can be detrimental to your towels’ longevity. High temperatures “kill” your towels, leading to premature wear and tear of it. Instead, you can opt for washing your towels in cold water. Additionally, use only a small amount of liquid laundry detergent.
It’s essential to avoid fabric softeners and bleachers as they can have adverse effects on your bath towels because these products tend to make towels scratchy, thin, and worn out over time. To prevent your towels from developing pills or fuzziness, it’s advisable to wash them separately from other materials. This separation helps to reduce friction and maintain the quality of your towels.
Adequate drying
To maintain the fluffiness and softness of your towels, it’s advisable to give them a shake while they are still damp before drying them in a dryer. Opt for a low drying setting to avoid high temperatures, as excessive heat can shorten the lifespan of the towels. Additionally, if you have access to an outdoor area such as a yard, deck, or even a small balcony, it is highly recommended to air dry your towels outside so that the liquid can dry off as this method can provide a fresh and natural feel to your towels while conserving energy.
When using a drying rack, it’s important to make sure that the towels are spread out evenly, with enough space between them to promote airflow. This helps prevent the towels from staying damp or developing a musty smell. Choosing a well-ventilated area for the drying rack will also aid in the drying process but if you don’t have a drying rack, other means like towel bars, hooks, or even outdoor clotheslines can also be effective. The key is to hang the towels in a way that allows air to circulate them.
Folding
Normally, nobody wants to spend time ironing towels every week. However, achieving wrinkle-free towels is quite simple and we are here to help you prevent that! Just follow this method: after ensuring your towel is clean and fully dry, lay it on a flat surface and gently smooth out any wrinkles using your hands. Then, fold the towel into thirds and subsequently in half. By folding towels in this manner, you can avoid any unsightly wrinkles. In addition, this technique serves as an excellent towel display idea for any bathroom. It’s a straightforward and effective method that always yields great results for anyone that tries it. So, why not give it a try the next time you embark on folding your towels?
Storing
People have different options when it comes to storing towels, either in the bathroom or in a closet. However, regardless of the chosen location, it is important not to overload or overcrowd the storage space dedicated to towels. By avoiding such a situation, you can prevent your towels from becoming wrinkled, developing unpleasant odors, and potentially growing mold and mildew, which can pose health risks. Instead, ensure that your towels have ample space to rest comfortably, regardless of where they are stored. Also, consider placing a bag of dried lavender near your towels. This simple addition serves two purposes: it prolongs the lifespan of your towels and imparts a pleasant fragrance while also protecting them from insects.
When it comes to storing towels for an extended period, if you’re taking care of the packing yourself, it’s advisable to follow these steps: First, place your towels inside a plastic bag and then pack them into a sturdy cardboard box. It’s crucial to unpack them as soon as possible to prevent unpleasant odors and wrinkles from setting in.
Hanging
You must hang up the towels you regularly use, whether they are for drying your hands or for use after bathing, after each use. Hand towels should be carefully placed over a towel bar to allow them to dry quickly. For other towels, such as those used for your face, body, or hair, it is best to hang them outdoors if you have access to an outside area. If that is not possible, you can place them on a drying rack near a window. By consistently hanging towels in this manner, you can prevent them from becoming moldy. Additionally, the fresh air and sunlight will help eliminate bacteria, thereby ensuring your safety.
Don’t iron
Ironing towels can stiffen them and potentially damage the fibers as towels are typically made of absorbent materials like cotton, and excessive heat from ironing can cause the fibers to become less pliable and more rigid. It’s generally best to avoid ironing towels unless necessary. As for removing towels from the dryer, ensuring they are completely dry is important to prevent mildew and unpleasant odors. Damp towels provide a favorable environment for mildew growth, which can lead to a musty smell and potentially affect the overall freshness of the towels and the surrounding area. It’s recommended to allow towels to thoroughly dry in the dryer before removing them to ensure they are moisture-free.
However, to maintain the quality and softness of towels, it’s generally advisable to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This may include washing towels in warm water, using mild detergents, and avoiding the use of fabric softeners or bleach, as these can also negatively impact the absorbency and texture of the towels. If you’re looking to rejuvenate your towels and give them a fresh, brand-new look, there are numerous approaches you can take. It’s important to consider the materials used in your towels, with cotton being a readily available and highly luxurious option. When it comes to luxury cotton towels made in the USA, Pure Parima towels stand out as some of the finest available.