How to Wash Towels: The Ultimate Guide

Towels are a household essential, used daily for drying off after showers, washing hands, and cleaning up spills. Over time, they can accumulate bacteria, odors, and residue from detergents, making proper washing techniques crucial to maintaining their softness, absorbency, and longevity.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to wash towels correctly, including the best detergents, washing machine settings, drying methods, and tips to prevent odors and roughness.

How Often Should You Wash Towels?

The frequency of washing towels depends on their use. Here’s a general guideline:

Bath towels – Every 3 to 4 uses
Hand towels – Every 1 to 2 days
Face towels – Daily to prevent bacteria buildup
Kitchen towels – After 1 day of use due to food and grease exposure

Washing towels regularly helps maintain hygiene, remove bacteria, and keep them feeling fresh.

Preparing Towels for Washing

Before tossing towels into the washing machine, follow these preparation steps to ensure the best results.

Separate Towels from Other Laundry

Always wash towels separately from clothes and delicate fabrics. Washing them together can cause:

Lint transfer from towels onto clothing
Detergent buildup from mixed fabric types
Damage to delicate fabrics due to towel friction

Check Care Labels

Different types of towels require specific washing instructions. Always check the care label for recommended water temperatures, detergent types, and drying methods.

Shake Out Towels Before Washing

Shaking out towels before putting them in the machine helps loosen dirt, lint, and dust, leading to a more effective wash.

The Best Way to Wash Towels

Choosing the Right Detergent

Use a mild, high-quality detergent
Avoid fabric softeners, as they coat towel fibers and reduce absorbency
For extra freshness, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to remove detergent buildup

Selecting the Best Water Temperature

White towels – Wash in hot water to remove bacteria and deep stains
Colored towels – Use warm or cold water to prevent fading
Microfiber towels – Always wash in cold water to protect fibers

Choosing the Right Washing Machine Cycle

Select a normal or heavy-duty cycle for thick towels
Use an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent residue
Avoid overloading the washing machine—towels need space to rinse properly

How to Remove Odors from Towels

If your towels smell musty or sour, follow these steps:

Wash with vinegar – Add 1 cup of white vinegar instead of detergent and wash in hot water
Wash again with baking soda – Add ½ cup of baking soda and wash in hot water to neutralize odors
Dry thoroughly – Ensure towels are completely dry before storing to prevent mildew buildup

How to Keep Towels Soft and Fluffy

Over time, towels can become rough and stiff. Here’s how to keep them soft:

Avoid Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners leave a waxy residue on towel fibers, reducing absorbency and making them feel stiff. Instead, use white vinegar in the rinse cycle.

Use Less Detergent

Too much detergent causes soap buildup, leading to rough towels. Use half the recommended amount for a softer feel.

Dry Towels Properly

Tumble dry on low heat – High heat can damage fibers
Use dryer balls – They help fluff towels and reduce drying time
Shake towels after drying – Fluff them up before folding to maintain softness

How to Wash New Towels

New towels often have a coating of fabric softeners and chemicals from manufacturing. Washing them properly before first use helps remove these substances and improves absorbency.

Wash in warm water with white vinegar (no detergent)
Wash again with a small amount of detergent
Dry on low heat with dryer balls to fluff fibers

How to Dry Towels Properly

Tumble Drying vs. Air Drying

Tumble drying – Use low heat to prevent shrinkage and keep towels fluffy
Air drying – Hang towels in a well-ventilated area to avoid mildew smells

Avoid Over-Drying

Over-drying towels can make them brittle and rough. Remove towels while they’re slightly damp and shake them out before folding.

How to Store Towels Properly

Fold towels loosely to allow air circulation
Store in a cool, dry place to prevent musty odors
Avoid cramming towels into a small space—this flattens fibers and reduces fluffiness

Special Care for Different Types of Towels

Microfiber Towels

Wash separately in cold water
Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets
Air dry or use low heat

Egyptian and Turkish Cotton Towels

Wash in warm water with a gentle detergent
Use white vinegar instead of fabric softener
Tumble dry on low heat to maintain softness

Decorative Towels

Wash inside a mesh bag to prevent snags
Use cold water to preserve embroidery and designs
Avoid heavy-duty cycles to prevent wear and tear

Common Towel Washing Mistakes to Avoid

Using too much detergent – Leads to buildup and stiff towels
Skipping the extra rinse cycle – Leaves behind soap residue
Overloading the washing machine – Towels don’t rinse properly
Using fabric softener – Reduces absorbency
Washing towels with clothes – Causes lint transfer and damage

Conclusion

Washing towels the right way ensures they remain soft, fresh, and absorbent for years. By using mild detergent, avoiding fabric softeners, and drying correctly, you can maintain luxurious, fluffy towels without unnecessary wear and tear.

Would you like additional laundry care tips? Let us know in the comments!