Laundry Tips for Towels
Who doesn’t love stepping out of the shower into a soft towel? Wrapping yourself in its comfort at the end of a busy day or patting yourself dry after a run?
It’s one of the best bits of bathtime, or at least it should be.
But not if your towels have become thin, scratchy or even (yes) a bit smelly. It’s not such a pleasure then.
So what can you do?
Here’s how to keep towels soft and fluffy – and enjoy happy bathtimes again
1. Wash new towels before you use them
Most new towels are coated in softeners to make them feel good when you buy them. They also often have excess fibres that can shed and irritate skin.
Popping new towels straight into your washing machine will remove these and ensure your towels dry as they should.
2. Separate towels from other laundry
Whatever you’re washing, it’s a good idea to sort your laundry pile by fabric type, weight and colour.
Washing towels on their own prevents them from being snagged by zips and trimmings. You can also use the best laundry detergent and washing machine setting for towels.
3. Shake out towels before you wash
It only takes a minute, but giving your towels a good shake first will help keep them soft and clean.
This is because it opens up their fibres slightly, so they absorb laundry detergent better once in the washing machine.
4. Don’t overload your washing machine
It’s not rocket science – if you overload your washing machine the water and detergent can’t do their job. You may also damage the drum.
To avoid overfilling, make sure you choose the right kg capacity washing machine – like the Beko BMN3WT3841B 8kg 1400 Spin EnergySpin Washing Machine, ideal for standard family-size loads with up to 35% energy saving thanks to its EnergySpin tech plus an Anti-Allergy option perfect for towels.
Or explore our full range of Beko, Bosch, Haier, Hoover, Hotpoint, LG, Miele and Samsung washing machines to find the best washing machine for you.
Read how to choose the right kg capacity washing machine in our blog.
5. Don’t use too much laundry detergent
Adding too much laundry detergent can make your towels feel ‘sticky’ as well as clogging your washing machine. The dosing guidelines are there for a reason so read the label and adjust for water hardness.
Some towel manufacturers say not to use laundry detergents with added bleach or brighteners as these can thin, stiffen and fade towels over time.
Go easy on the fabric softener too, as too much can affect absorbency and leave towels feeling stiff.
6. Wash your towels in medium-hot water
Your towel’s care label will tell you the laundry cycle and temperature it needs – usually the main cottons wash at 30°C to 60°C.
In general, darker towels can go through on the cooler setting to avoid fading. Lighter-coloured towels might need washing in hotter water to help remove any (pre-treated) stains.
All towels should be washed at least once a week to avoid smells, but gym towels should be washed after every use.
7. Tumble dry your towels with care
Give your towels another good shake before putting them in the tumble dryer or hanging them up, or out, to dry.
Hanging towels outside for a bit before tumble drying can keep them fluffy and shorten drying-time. If only tumble drying, don’t dry towels too long or too hot as this can leave them ‘crunchy’ and dull.
Most tumble dryers have a Sensor Dry programme to prevent over-drying – like the Haier HD90-A3959 9kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer with A+++ energy rating, hOn app connectivity and Hygiene function to remove up to 99% bacteria. Perfect for drying your towels well.
8. Know when it’s time to say goodbye...
Finally, some towels are simply beyond saving.
If you’ve got towels that are thin, stiff or smell even after washing it’s time to treat yourself to new ones – then care for them like a pro.
If you think it’s your laundry appliances that are beyond saving, pop in store for expert advice about the product that’s right for you, or take a look through our laundry range.
