Washing towels can appear to be simple, but following the right method is essential if you want them to last. While you can clean a towel by simply tossing it into the washing machine, these helpful tips help keep your towels looking and feeling fresh even after several washes. With the proper washing and drying techniques, you can avoid musty odors and faded colors to preserve the soft, fluffy texture of your towels. For the best laundry tips, follow this handy guide that covers how often you should wash your towels, whether you can wash towels with clothes, and what settings to use when washing towels with different colors and fabrics.
Before you learn how to wash towels, note that you should clean them before first-time use. Most new towels are coated with silicone or other finishes that block absorbency. This coating gives them that extra-fluffy look and feel at the store. Washing your new towels removes these finishes and allows for maximum absorbency.
To prevent colors from bleeding, wash colored towels with similar shades in warm water for the first several washes. Use about half the recommended amount of detergent while washing and add ½ to 1 cup of white vinegar to the water during the rinse cycle. The vinegar helps set the colors and removes excess detergent residue.