Towels are one of the most-used items in any home, whether it’s for drying off after a shower, wiping hands in the kitchen, or keeping things clean during daily routines. But because they’re used so often, towels collect dirt, sweat, oils, and bacteria. Washing them properly is not only about keeping them looking good, but also about making sure they’re hygienic and long-lasting.
If you’ve ever wondered how to wash towels the right way, this guide will walk you through everything — from choosing the right detergent to avoiding common mistakes that leave towels stiff or smelly. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your towels soft, absorbent, and fresh for years.
Why Clean Towels Make a Big Difference
Washing towels is more than just throwing them into the machine with your other clothes. Towels need special care because they’re designed to absorb moisture, which means they also absorb oils, skin cells, and soap residue. Over time, these can cause:
- Bad odours that don’t go away easily
- Loss of absorbency
- Stiff or scratchy texture
- Growth of bacteria or mould if not dried properly
By learning the right washing methods, you can:
- Extend the lifespan of your towels
- Keep them soft and fluffy
- Prevent musty smells
- Save money by not replacing them too soon
How Often Should You Wash Towels?
One of the most common questions families have is how often towels should be washed. The answer depends on how they’re used:
- Bath towels: After every 3–4 uses
- Hand towels: Every 2 days
- Kitchen towels: Daily or every second day
- Gym towels: After each use
Washing too often can wear them out quickly, but waiting too long can allow bacteria to grow. The key is finding a balance.
Preparing Towels Before Washing
Before you put towels in the machine, there are a few steps to make sure they wash properly:
- Check care labels – Some towels may need special washing instructions depending on the material.
- Separate by colour – Wash whites separately from colours to prevent bleeding.
- Don’t overload the machine – Towels need plenty of space to move around and rinse properly.
- Shake them out – Give each towel a quick shake before washing to remove dust and lint.
The Best Way to Wash Towels
Keeping towels soft, fluffy, and absorbent isn’t just about throwing them into the washing machine. A proper washing routine helps preserve their quality, prevents them from developing a musty smell, and extends their lifespan. Below is a detailed guide on how to wash towels the right way.
Step 1: Choose the Right Detergent
Start with a good-quality laundry detergent, but remember that less is often more. Using too much detergent can leave residue in the towel fibres, making them stiff, scratchy, and less absorbent over time. A small amount is usually enough for a full load.
- White towels: Opt for a detergent with oxygen bleach to keep them bright and crisp. Avoid chlorine bleach, which can damage fibres in the long run.
- Coloured towels: Use a colour-safe detergent to help prevent fading and maintain vibrant tones.
Step 2: Select the Right Water Temperature
The temperature of the water you use can affect both cleanliness and fabric care.
- White or light-coloured towels: Wash in warm or hot water. This helps kill bacteria, remove body oils, and lift stains.
- Dark or coloured towels: Wash in warm or cold water. This keeps colours from bleeding or fading while still giving them a proper clean.
Step 3: Add Vinegar or Baking Soda Occasionally
Every few washes, give your towels a little extra care:
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle. This naturally breaks down detergent build-up, softens fibres, and restores absorbency.
- Alternatively, sprinkle in ½ cup of baking soda to neutralise odours and freshen up musty towels.
This simple step can help prevent that unpleasant “locker room” smell and keep your towels feeling fresh.
Step 4: Avoid Fabric Softeners
Although fabric softeners make clothes feel smooth, they’re not ideal for towels. Softeners coat the fibres with a waxy layer, which reduces absorbency and makes towels less effective at drying. If you prefer extra softness, stick with vinegar—it works naturally without harming the fibres.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Proper rinsing is key to keeping towels fresh and fluffy. If detergent is left behind, it can weigh down fibres and trap odours.
- For heavily soiled towels, consider using the extra rinse cycle on your machine.
- Shake towels out after washing to loosen fibres before placing them in the dryer.
Drying Towels the Right Way
Drying is just as important as washing when it comes to keeping towels soft, fresh, and long-lasting. The way you dry your towels can make the difference between fluffy, absorbent fabric and stiff, scratchy ones.
Tumble drying
The best method for fluffy towels is tumble drying. Use a medium heat setting rather than high heat, which can damage the fibres over time. Medium heat dries towels effectively without making them rough. For an extra boost of softness, add dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the drum – they help prevent towels from clumping together and speed up drying time.
Line drying
Hanging towels outside on the line is a fantastic energy-saving option and leaves them smelling naturally fresh from the breeze and sunshine. However, they can feel a little stiff when dried this way. To reduce stiffness, give them a good shake before pegging them up and again once they’re dry to fluff up the fibres. Avoid leaving them on the line for too long in direct sunlight, as this can fade colours and weaken fibres over time.
Combination method
If you want the best of both worlds, try a combination method. Start by line drying your towels until they’re almost dry, then finish them off in the dryer for about 10 minutes on a medium setting. This will soften the fibres while still keeping energy costs down.
Extra tips for the perfect dry
- Don’t overload the dryer – towels need space to move around so air can circulate properly.
- Always dry towels completely before storing them to prevent mildew and unpleasant odours.
- For an eco-friendly option, dry indoors on a clothes horse in a well-ventilated area, then finish with a short tumble to fluff.
By paying attention to how you dry your towels, you’ll keep them soft, absorbent, and feeling like new for much longer.
How to Wash New Towels
New towels often come coated with a finishing layer that makes them look and feel nice in the store but reduces absorbency. Before first use, wash new towels separately with a small amount of detergent and a cup of vinegar. This removes the coating and helps the fibres open up.
How to Keep Towels Soft & Fluffy
Nobody likes stiff, scratchy towels. Here’s how to keep them feeling fresh:
- Don’t overload the washing machine — give towels space to move.
- Use vinegar every few washes to strip away buildup.
- Shake towels before drying to fluff the fibres.
- Avoid over-drying, which can damage fibres.
Dealing with Common Towel Problems
Even with proper washing, towels can sometimes develop issues. Here’s how to fix them:
Musty or Sour Smell
If your towels smell even after washing, it’s usually caused by detergent or moisture buildup.
- Rewash with hot water, a small amount of detergent, and a cup of vinegar.
- Dry completely before storing.
Stiff Towels
This usually comes from detergent residue.
- Wash with warm water and half a cup of baking soda.
- Avoid fabric softeners.
Fading Colours
Keep coloured towels vibrant by washing them in cold water and avoiding bleach.
Fraying Edges
Over time, towel edges can fray. Trim loose threads with scissors and avoid pulling them.
Special Care for Different Types of Towels
Not all towels are made the same. Here are a few extra care tips:
- Microfibre towels: Wash separately without fabric softener. They’re great for cleaning but lose effectiveness if coated with residue.
- Luxury Egyptian or Turkish cotton towels: Wash gently in warm water, avoid bleach, and dry on low heat to preserve softness.
- Quick-dry towels: Best washed in cool water and air dried.
Tips for Families to Save Time & Energy
Washing towels is part of every household’s routine. Here are some family-friendly tips to make it easier:
- Assign towel colours to each family member to reduce confusion.
- Wash towels in bulk once or twice a week instead of small loads.
- Use energy-efficient settings on your washing machine and dryer.
- Rotate towel sets so they wear evenly.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Wash Towels
If you want to reduce your environmental footprint, consider these eco-friendly options:
- Wash in cold water whenever possible.
- Air dry on a clothesline in sunny weather.
- Use eco-friendly detergents with fewer chemicals.
- Wash full loads to save water and energy.
Storing Towels Properly
Once towels are clean and dry, proper storage helps keep them fresh:
- Fold and store in a cool, dry cupboard.
- Avoid damp bathrooms where mould can grow.
- Place lavender sachets or cedar blocks nearby to keep them smelling fresh.
Conclusion
Learning how to wash towels properly doesn’t just make them last longer — it also keeps your family comfortable and healthy. With the right washing methods, drying techniques, and storage habits, your towels will stay soft, absorbent, and fresh for years.
Next time you notice your towels feeling stiff, smelling musty, or losing their fluff, you’ll know exactly what to do. Washing towels the right way is simple, effective, and a small step that makes a big difference in daily family life.
