When you first get your new towels, it’s important to give them a good wash before using them. This simple guide will show you how to break in your new bath towels so they become more absorbent and softer over time.
Before you start, make sure to check the care label on your towels. Some towels may have specific instructions for washing and drying. Follow the instructions on the label to avoid any damage to the fabric.
Step 1: Pre-wash your new towels. Before the first use, run your towels through a cycle in the washer with a small amount of detergent. This will help remove any residue or chemicals from the manufacturing process.
Step 2: Use only warm water. High heat can damage the cotton fibers in your towels, so it’s best to stick with warm water when washing. This will help preserve the color and quality of the fabric.
Step 3: Skip the fabric softener. While fabric softener may make your towels feel soft, it can also leave behind a residue that can reduce absorbency. To keep your towels absorbent, it’s best to avoid using fabric softener.
Step 4: Dry on a low heat. High heat can cause your towels to shrink and become less fluffy. Instead, choose a low heat setting on your dryer or hang them up to air dry. Tumble drying on a low heat will help fluff up the towels and make them soft and absorbent.
Step 5: Pause the drying cycle. If you’re using a dryer, pause the cycle every 15 minutes and shake out the towels. This will help fluff up the fibers and prevent them from clumping together. It will also prevent the towels from overheating and becoming damaged.
By following these five simple steps, you can break in your new towels and make them softer and more absorbent over time. Remember, it’s important to give your towels a good wash before using them, as this will remove any residue or chemicals from the manufacturing process. With a little care and attention, your new towels will last longer and provide you with the most luxurious drying experience.
Written by Emily Attwood, co-founder of a leading bath towel company
How to wash new towels
When you first bring home new towels, it’s important to wash them before use. This simple step helps break down any residue and bacteria that may be lingering on the fabric. Plus, washing new towels makes them softer and more absorbent in the long run. Follow these steps to properly wash your new towels:
- Separate your towels by color. This helps prevent any dye transfer during the washing process.
- Place your new towels in the washing machine. If you have a large load, avoid overcrowding the washer, as this can prevent the towels from getting fully clean.
- Add a gentle detergent to the machine. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can coat the fabric and reduce absorbency.
- Choose a gentle wash cycle. A delicate cycle with cool or warm water is typically the best option for washing new towels.
- Dry your towels on a medium heat setting in the dryer. Avoid using high heat, as this can damage the fibers of the towels. It’s also best to avoid using dryer sheets or fabric softener during the drying process.
- Take your towels out of the dryer while they are still slightly damp. This will help prevent excessive wrinkling and make it easier to fold them neatly.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your new towels are clean, soft, and ready to use. Enjoy the luxury of freshly washed towels every time you step out of the bath or shower!
This guide was written by Emily Attwood, co-founder of the washing and laundry advice website.
1 Keep towels together
When it comes to washing new towels, keeping them together is essential. Emily Attwood, co-founder of the laundry guide website Laundryland, says that washing towels alone, without any other laundry, is the best way to break them in. “This prevents them from picking up any residue from other clothing or fabrics,” she explains.
Attwood recommends using a washing machine set to a gentle cycle with warm water. “Cotton towels are more absorbent when washed in warm water,” she adds. You can also opt to add a small amount of mild detergent to the washer, but Attwood advises against using fabric softener. “Fabric softener can leave a coating on the towels that makes them less absorbent,” she warns.
Once the wash cycle is complete, it’s important to tumble dry the towels on a low heat setting. Attwood suggests removing them from the dryer while they are still slightly damp to prevent over-drying. “This will help to make them softer and fluffier,” she explains.
By keeping your new towels together and following these simple steps, you can break them in without causing any damage to the fabric. Plus, you’ll be left with the softest, most absorbent towels possible!
2 Add the right amount of detergent
Once you’ve sorted your towels by color, it’s time to add the detergent. Choosing the right amount of detergent is crucial to ensure that your towels are properly cleaned without any residue left behind.
Before you start, refer to the guide on the detergent packaging. It will typically recommend the appropriate amount based on the load size and level of soiling. Follow these instructions to ensure you’re using the correct amount.
A common mistake is using too much detergent, as this can lead to excessive soap buildup on your towels. This buildup can make your towels feel stiff and less absorbent, which is definitely not what you want.
On the other hand, using too little can result in inadequate cleaning. Your towels may not get fully clean and could retain bacteria or odors even after washing. So strike a balance and use the right amount!
When adding detergent, make sure it’s suitable for cotton towels, as these are the most common type. Look for a detergent that is designed to be gentle on fabric and won’t cause damage or fading to the color. Emily Attwood, a laundry expert, suggests using a liquid detergent, as it dissolves and spreads evenly through the water.
When using a washing machine, pour the detergent directly into the washer or into the designated detergent dispenser if your machine has one. Be careful not to overload the washer to ensure that the towels have enough space to move around and get thoroughly cleaned.
If you’re using a high-efficiency washer, it’s important to use a detergent specifically formulated for these machines. These detergents are designed to produce fewer suds and work effectively with the lower water levels commonly used in high-efficiency washers, preventing any issues that could arise from excessive suds.
Once you’ve added the detergent, start the washing cycle. Depending on the machine and the program you choose, you may need to pause the cycle and allow the towels to soak for a while before proceeding.
Remember, adding fabric softener is entirely optional. While it adds a pleasant scent and can make your towels feel softer, it can also reduce their absorbency. If you prefer your towels to be more absorbent, skip the fabric softener.
When it comes to drying the towels, avoid using high heat, as this can damage the cotton fibers and cause shrinkage. Instead, opt for a medium heat setting or tumble dry on low heat. This will help fluff up the towels and make them soft and fluffy without damaging the fabric.
By following these simple steps and adding the right amount of detergent, you can ensure that your new towels are clean, soft, and absorbent. Now you can enjoy the luxury of wrapping yourself in cozy, fresh towels after every bath or shower!
3 Select a low heat setting
When it comes to drying your new towels, it’s important to choose the right heat setting. High heat can damage the fibers of the towels and cause them to lose their softness and absorbency. Therefore, it’s recommended to select a low heat setting on your dryer.
The low heat setting will allow the towels to dry slowly and gently, without subjecting them to excessive heat. This will help to preserve the color and quality of the towels, so they’ll last longer and continue to look and feel great.
Emily Attwood, the co-founder of a laundry guide website, suggests using a low heat setting to prevent any potential bacteria from building up in the damp, warm environment of the dryer. This is especially important for towels that have been used, as they may have picked up bacteria from the skin. Drying them on low heat will help to kill any bacteria that might still be present.
In addition to selecting a low heat setting, you can also pause the dryer periodically to fluff the towels and prevent them from becoming too wrinkled. This simple step will help to keep the towels soft and fluffy without over-drying them or causing excessive wrinkling.
It’s worth mentioning that fabric softener should be avoided when drying towels, as it can leave behind a residue that can make the towels less absorbent. Instead, it’s best to allow the towels to dry on their own without the use of any fabric softener.
By following these simple steps and selecting a low heat setting, you can ensure that your new towels will be soft, absorbent, and ready to use after their first wash. So, before you put them to use, take the time to give them a little extra care in the washing and drying process.
4 Pause the wash to fluff
After the initial wash cycle is complete, you may want to pause the machine and fluff the towels before continuing with the rest of the laundry. This step is important to help the towels regain their full softness and absorbency.
Emily Attwood, co-founder of The Laundry Company, explains, “When towels are wet, they tend to clump together. Pausing the wash cycle allows you to separate them and give them a good fluff.”
To fluff the towels, simply open the washer door and carefully untangle the towels from each other. Use your hands to shake them out and help them regain their natural shape.
Keep in mind that this step should be done gently to avoid damaging the fabric of the towels. Avoid using any fabric softener or dryer sheets at this point, as they can leave behind a residue that can make the towels less absorbent.
Fluffing the towels also helps to remove any excess moisture. “By pausing the wash and fluffing the towels, you allow the towels to dry more efficiently,” adds Attwood.
| Tip: | For the most effective fluffing, you can also tumble dry the towels on a low heat setting for a few minutes before taking them out of the machine. This will help to further loosen the fibers and separate them. |
When you’ve fluffed the towels and they are untangled and separated, you can continue with the rest of the laundry.
By incorporating this simple step into your towel washing routine, you can ensure that your new towels stay soft, absorbent, and in great condition for much longer. It helps to maintain the quality of the fabric without adding any damage that can come from excessive heat or aggressive washing.
5 Dry on low
Once your towels have completed the washing cycle, it’s time to dry them. While many people might be tempted to turn the heat up to the highest setting and get the towels dry as quickly as possible, this can actually do more harm than good.
Drying your towels on high heat can cause the fibers to break down, resulting in less absorbent and less soft towels. Instead, it’s best to dry your towels on a low heat setting. This will help to preserve the integrity of the fibers and keep your towels looking and feeling their best.
Before tossing your towels into the dryer, give them a good shake to fluff them up and ensure they dry evenly. If you notice any excess lint, take a lint roller or lint brush and remove them before placing them in the dryer.
Emily Attwood, co-founder of Land of Belle, adds that when drying towels, it’s important to avoid using fabric softener. Fabric softeners can leave residue on the towels, which can make them less absorbent. Instead, opt for dryer balls or dryer sheets to help fluff the towels and keep them soft without leaving any residue.
To prevent any damage to the towels, it’s also a good idea to pause the drying cycle about halfway through and give the towels a shake. This will prevent them from clumping together and ensure that they dry evenly.
Once the drying cycle is complete, take the towels out of the dryer and give them one final shake to fluff them up. If you notice any remaining dampness, you can hang the towels up to air dry for a bit longer or put them back in the dryer on a low heat setting for a few more minutes.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your new towels stay soft, absorbent, and in great condition for years to come.