A checklist for washing towels
Short answer: Towels should absorb and feel soft, and that requires washing them correctly. Here is a list that helps you keep them fresh without wearing them out unnecessarily.
How often they should be washed
A towel used after a shower should, as a rule, be washed after three or four uses, if it hangs to dry in between. A kitchen towel or guest towel is washed more often. If it smells stale or is damp, it should be washed straight away. If there are several of you in the household, give each person their own towel so they are not shared. Hang them on a hook or rail with good air, so they do not end up lying in a heap.
Sort before washing
Wash towels separately, not with delicate clothes, as they are heavy and can snag threads in other fabrics. Sort by colour and wash new towels alone the first time, as they can release dye. White towels should be washed separately so they do not turn grey. Empty pockets and check that there are no hooks or anything else that can catch. See bamboo towels for an overview of soft terry fabric.
Temperature, detergent and load
Wash according to the care label, often 40 to 60 degrees for towels, but always check your own label. Use the amount of detergent the pack recommends and avoid using too much, as residue makes the towel stiff. Do not fill the machine more than three quarters, so the towels have room to move and be rinsed well. An extra rinse helps if you have hard water or sensitive skin.
Fabric softener is seldom the answer
Fabric softener can give a soft feel, but it leaves a film on the fibres, and the towel becomes less absorbent. Try going without it, especially on towels of viscose from bamboo, which are meant to absorb. If you want to soften, a splash of vinegar in the softener drawer can help, but check the machine's instructions and use it sparingly. Shake the towels out before drying so the fibres stand up. That gives a softer feel than fabric softener.
Drying without wear
Hang towels with plenty of space so they dry quickly, and let them dry completely before putting them away. A tumble dryer is practical, but high heat can wear the fibres, so choose low heat and take them out while slightly damp. A towel that never gets completely dry starts to smell. Do not lay towels over the radiator, as direct heat can make them stiff. Fold them when they are dry.
Check other textiles
Remember that the same principles apply to other textiles such as sheets and bedding. See bamboo split sheets if you have an adjustable bed, as they too should be washed according to the label. There are several brands that make textiles, including Nordic Weaving, and you can look at their collections for inspiration, but always check the brand's care. Clean, dry and soft textiles make the everyday more comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash towels
After three or four uses, if they dry in between. If they smell or are damp, they should be washed straight away.
Why do towels go stiff
Often because of too much detergent or fabric softener, hard water or too much heat. Rinse extra and use less detergent.
Do I need fabric softener
It is not necessary and can make towels less absorbent. Try going without it.
