The best bamboo towels and why they dry differently

Short answer: Bamboo towels absorb faster than cotton, but they dry more slowly if they hang bunched up. The weight per square metre decides both absorbency and drying time.

Weight is the number that matters

A heavy towel absorbs more but takes longer to dry. For a bathroom without a window a lighter towel is often more practical. See the range in bamboo towels.

Why bamboo absorbs quickly

The fibres take up moisture fast and spread it through the fabric. That is why a bamboo towel feels dry longer than a cotton towel of the same weight.

Hang them so they dry

A towel hanging folded double never dries fully and starts to smell. Hang it spread out over a rail, as with the rest of the bamboo home textiles. That solves almost every odour problem without washing more often.

Wash without fabric softener

Fabric softener is the worst thing you can give a towel. It leaves a film that makes the fabric soft to touch and useless at absorbing. See washing and care.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my towels smell?

Because they do not dry fully between uses. Hang them spread out and the problem usually solves itself.

Does bamboo absorb better than cotton?

Bamboo viscose takes up moisture faster. Thick cotton terry can hold more in total but takes longer.

Can towels be washed at 60 degrees?

Yes, and it is a good idea a few times a year. For everyday use 40 degrees is enough.