How to wash towels so they stay fluffy and bright
How to wash towels properly (illustrative photo: Freepik)
Caring for towels may seem straightforward - just toss them in the washing machine. However, there are several key aspects to maintaining their brightness and fluffiness, according to Martha Stewart website.
When to wash towels
Most towels should be washed in warm water on a regular cycle, but to be sure, it's best to check the label.
If the label specifies that dark towels should be washed separately from whites, it's advisable to follow this recommendation.
Additionally, towel fibers can vary, so always wash towels together according to their fabric type and separately from other clothing.
It's recommended to always wash new towels before use; this will open up the fibers and improve their absorbency. Also, if a new towel has a residue from fabric softener, adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle during the first wash is advised.
Used towels should generally be washed after every third or fourth use, though this can vary depending on personal preference.
How to wash colored towels
To wash colored towels, laundry expert Maria Muni recommends using cool or warm water, especially for dark towels. This helps maintain the color of the fabric. Additionally, when removing stubborn stains, choose gentle detergents to avoid lightening the stained areas.
To enhance color vibrancy, it's advised to slightly reduce the amount of detergent used during the main wash cycle and add half to one cup of white vinegar to the rinse water.
To prevent staining, it’s best to wash colored towels of similar shades together, at least for the first few washes.
How to wash white towels
For white towels, it's recommended to use hot water to keep them pristine. Additionally, adding a non-chlorine bleach to the detergent can help maintain whiteness.
However, never mix bleach and vinegar. While both are effective cleaning agents on their own, combining them creates chlorine gas, which should be avoided.
It's also crucial not to overload the washing machine with towels. Overloading can prevent them from getting clean and may damage the drum of the machine, reducing its efficiency. Consequently, towels may need to be washed again to remove stains and odors.
How to remove odors and stains from towels
White vinegar is a natural solution for removing stains from towels and can also eliminate unpleasant odors.
To use this ingredient for stain removal and odor elimination, it’s recommended to first soak the towels in distilled white vinegar for three minutes before placing them in the washing machine.
In addition to removing stains and odors, soaking in vinegar will leave the towels soft and fresh once they are dried.
