The perfect care for your towels

You use them every day—after a refreshing shower, a long sauna session, or a dip in the sea during your vacation. Your towels absorb everything from dead skin cells to the fumes from your well-deserved rest. But while their importance is obvious, many myths still surround their care. In this article, we share tips on how to wash your towels properly and keep them in top condition.

Let's go

It's clear at first glance: not all towels are the same. They differ not only in material and weave, but also in color, finish, and additional details like fringes. Therefore, it's advisable to check the care label before washing. But there are also some basic steps you can follow when preparing your towels for washing:

Sort by color and material:

Divide your towels into light pastels and bolder tones. Each group should be washed separately.

Leave room in the drum:

Make sure there is enough space between the towels and the top drum of the washing machine.

Choose the right detergent:

Read the instructions on the detergent and choose the appropriate variant and dosage.

What temperature is right?

The recommended washing temperature depends on the material and color of your towels. Cotton towels can typically tolerate washing temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius. However, towels made of other materials should not be washed above 40 degrees Celsius. Linen or bamboo towels may require an even lower temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. The material and weave are also crucial, so checking the care label is essential.

A tip: Towels washed at 20 to 40 degrees Celsius are usually already germ-free. This means you don't always have to set the highest possible temperature. This not only saves your wallet but also the environment.

Program and detergent

Towels should be washed with the appropriate detergent depending on their color. Use color or mild detergent for colored or dyed towels, and heavy-duty detergent for white towels. The choice of wash program depends on your washing machine, so make sure you don't exceed the maximum temperature.

Here's another tip: Spin the towels at high speeds of 1,400 to 1,600 revolutions to help them dry faster and retain their fluffiness.

Is fabric softener necessary?

You may be wondering how to keep your towels soft. The obvious answer is fabric softener, which makes the fabric appear softer. However, it leaves a thin film on the fibers that can impair moisture absorption.

Fabric softener can be helpful in particularly hard water, but should otherwise be avoided. A better alternative is tried-and-true white vinegar.

How often should towels be washed?

The question of how often towels should be washed is controversial. Academic circles recommend washing towels after three uses. For shared towels, daily cleaning is even recommended. For towels used by only one person, every two to three days is appropriate.

Another tip: The information varies depending on individual use. However, even a rarely used towel should be washed no more than every two weeks to remove germs.

Do new towels need to be washed?

The clear answer is yes. Washing not only removes germs and contaminants, but also a special coating that some manufacturers apply to the towels to protect them from dirt. After the first wash, the towels become more absorbent.

How do you dry towels?

Most towels can be tumble dried at up to 60 degrees Celsius. However, it's also recommended to check the care label. Air drying is an energy-efficient alternative. Hang towels upright to avoid stiffness. You'll achieve best results in a light breeze.

Here's one last tip: If you have allergies, avoid drying outdoors during pollen season.

Do towels need ironing?

Some towels can be ironed at up to 150 degrees Celsius, while others will be damaged. Ironing terry cloth towels can depress the loops and impair absorbency. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid ironing and protect the environment.

Give your towels the care they deserve and enjoy their comfort and longevity. This way, you'll stay fresh and clean every time you use your trusty towels!