Absorption in viscose towels, what happens
Short answer: Towels in viscose from bamboo can absorb moisture well and feel soft against the skin, but how well they soak up depends on weave, thickness and care. Fabric softener and too much detergent can reduce the effect. Here is what happens when a towel absorbs, and how to keep it that way.
What absorption actually means
A towel absorbs because the fibres can take up water and hold it, and because the weave creates small hollows where the water can sit. How much a towel takes up depends on the material, but also on how tightly it is woven and how thick it is. So it is not the fabric alone that decides how it feels.
Why viscose can feel different
Viscose from bamboo is a fibre that can take up moisture, and many find towels made of it soft and heavy when wet. That is a personal feeling, and there is no guarantee that a viscose towel absorbs better than a cotton one. Try one and judge for yourself how it works for you.
The first wash
New towels can have residue from production that makes them absorb less well the first times. Wash them before first use, preferably on their own and by the care label. Do not use fabric softener the first few times, because it can leave a film on the fibres. After a few washes they often absorb better.
Bamboo towels in daily life
If you are looking for towels for daily life, look at bamboo towels and compare thickness and size. A thicker towel takes up more water but dries more slowly. A thinner one is quicker but can feel less generous. Think about whether you will use it after a bath, for hands or for the beach.
Fabric softener and build-up
Fabric softener makes towels soft, but it leaves a coating on the fibres that reduces how well they absorb. Use it sparingly or leave it out. The same goes for too much detergent, which can stay in the terry. If your towels have started to absorb less, an extra rinse without product can help.
Drying and moisture
A towel that is not allowed to dry starts to smell, whatever it is made of. Hang it up after use so the air can reach it, and do not hang it together with another one. Do not hang it in a small, damp bathroom without ventilation if you can avoid it. Wash it regularly.
Size and thickness
Choose the size by the purpose. A large bath sheet is pleasant after a bath, while a smaller towel suits hands and face. The amount of fabric also affects drying time. If several people share the home, choose different colours, so nobody is in doubt about which towel is theirs.
When the bath turns into rest
After a warm bath many put on something soft, and then sleepwear in a soft fabric can be a pleasant continuation. It is not that one depends on the other, but about having a routine where clothes and towels feel alike. Think of the bed too, where bamboo bedding can complete the whole.
Frequently asked questions
Do viscose towels absorb well
They can, but it depends on weave, thickness and care. Viscose from bamboo can take up moisture, but there is no guarantee. Wash new towels before use and do not use too much fabric softener.
Why does my towel absorb less than before
Most often because of a coating from fabric softener or detergent. Try an extra rinse without product and use less softener in future. Follow the care label.
How often should a towel be washed
After a few uses, and more often if it stays damp or smells. Hang it to dry after each use so it does not stay wet. Follow the care label for temperature.
