We all long for the comforting embrace of a soft, fluffy towel after a warm shower. The secret to maintaining the plush softness and absorbency of your towels lies in how you wash them. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to wash your towels in a washing machine, ensuring they stay luxurious and last longer.
How often should you wash towels?
The frequency of washing towels largely depends on personal preferences and usage. However, a general guideline is to wash bath towels every three to four uses to maintain hygiene and softness.
Hand towels and face towels, given their frequent use, should be washed every one to two days to ensure they stay fresh and germ-free.
Why do towels feel hard post-wash?
It's a common scenario: you wash your towels, expecting them to come out soft and fluffy, but they turn out stiff and scratchy instead. The culprits are often detergent buildup, mineral deposits, or the wrong washer settings.
Over time, towels can accumulate residues from detergents and fabric softeners. Moreover, hard water can leave mineral deposits within the fabric fibres. These residues can make towels feel hard and less absorbent.
By paying attention to how you wash and the products you use, you can ensure your towels remain soft, absorbent, and comforting after each wash.
How to wash towels in the washing machine: A step-by-step guide
Maintaining the plush comfort of your towels requires a bit more than just tossing them into the machine. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to ensure your towels stay soft, absorbent, and hygienic:
Step 1: Consult the laundry care label
Every towel comes with a laundry care label sewn into it, which carries vital information regarding washing and drying guidelines. The instructions may include the ideal water temperature, the recommended wash cycle, whether bleach can be used, and the proper dryer setting. Following these guidelines will ensure that you're treating your towels in a way that will preserve their quality and longevity.
Step 2: Separate towels by colour
Sorting towels by colour is crucial to prevent colours from bleeding into each other. It's advisable to wash white towels separately to maintain their brightness. Similarly, dark coloured towels should be washed together to prevent fading and colour transfer which can occur when mixed with lighter colours.
Step 3: Pre-treat stains
Although stains on towels can be stubborn, pre-treating them can help significantly. Apply a small amount of detergent or a stain remover directly onto the stain, gently rubbing it in with a soft-bristled brush. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes before washing, giving the cleaning agents time to work on breaking down the stain.
>>> Read more: 10 tips to give your clothes a longer life
Step 4: Load towels in the washing machine
Loading the towels correctly ensures a thorough clean. It's essential not to overload the washing machine as towels need enough space to move freely during the wash cycle for effective cleaning and rinsing. A general rule is to fill the washer only about three-quarters full.
Step 5: Choose the right detergent
Detergent choice can affect the cleanliness and softness of your towels. High-efficiency detergents are ideal for HE washers as they produce fewer suds and rinse out more easily. If you live in a hard water area, consider a detergent formulated to combat mineral buildup.
Read more:
- Liquid vs. powder detergent vs. pods: Which is best to use?
- Which type of detergent is the best for front load washing machines?
Step 6: Select the correct washing machine setting
Selecting the right washer setting is vital. A warm or hot water setting coupled with a heavy-duty cycle is ideal for thorough cleaning, especially for white towels as it helps in better stain removal and bacteria elimination.
Check out our complete guide on how to use a washing machine in this article.
Step 7: Add detergent and other additives
Adding the correct amount of detergent is essential to avoid residue buildup. If your towels have become stiff, adding a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle can help break down detergent and fabric softener residues, restoring softness.
Step 8: Avoid over-drying
Over-drying can make towels stiff and rough. It's advisable to set the dryer on a medium heat setting and to remove towels while they are still slightly damp, allowing them to air dry for the remaining time.
Step 9: Shake towels out
Shaking towels out before and after drying helps to fluff up the fibres, restoring some of their original softness and fluffiness. It also helps in getting rid of any leftover lint.
Step 10: Fold or hang towels
Once your towels are dry, promptly fold or hang them to prevent wrinkles and maintain their shape. Properly folded or hung towels will also ensure they are ready for use when needed, keeping them fresh and neat.
Check out more tips to wash your favourite items in the washing machine:
- How to wash your coloured clothes to keep them bright
- How to wash sheets in a washing machine: A comprehensive guide
- How to wash and dry jeans correctly
Discover the benefits of Electrolux washing machines for pristine towels
Electrolux washing machines are meticulously designed to ensure your towels come out clean, soft, and ready for use.
Superior drum design
Our machines feature a gentle drum design ensuring a thorough yet tender wash, preserving the fabric quality of your towels over numerous wash cycles.
Precise detergent dispensing
Equipped with an efficient detergent dispensing system, it guarantees the right amount of detergent is used, averting residue buildup which can cause towels to feel hard.
Tailored wash cycles
With customisable wash cycles, you can select the perfect setting suited for towels, ensuring they receive the meticulous care they deserve.
Energy and water efficiency
Embracing eco-friendliness, our washing machines are engineered to be energy-efficient and water-conserving, making your towel laundry routine both eco-friendly and economical.
Explore our comprehensive washing machine buying guide to find the perfect Electrolux model for your family's needs. Opt for Electrolux to ensure your clothes remain vibrant for years while contributing to environmental conservation.
- SensorWash with AI removes 49 different visible stains*.
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- No more visible detergent residue with UltraMix*.
- HygienicCare removes 99.9% allergens and germs*.
- SensorWash helps remove up to 53 stains.*
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- IntelliQuick selects best load based programme.
- Refresh clothes with vapour, without washing.
- IntelliDose delivers precise detergent dosage.
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- IntelliQuick selects best load based programme.
- SensorWash helps remove up to 53 stains.*
- UltraMix keeps colours bright.
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- Inverter motor is quiet, efficient, and durable.
- TubClean keeps your machine hygienically clean.
- UltraMix keeps colours bright.
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- Inverter motor is quiet, efficient, and durable.
- TubClean keeps your machine hygienically clean.
Frequently-asked questions when washing towels in a washing machine
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How can I avoid my towels feeling hard after washing?
To prevent towels from hardening after washing, use the recommended amount of detergent, skip fabric softeners, and give your towels a good shake before placing them in the dryer. For those living in areas with hard water, consider using a detergent designed for hard water.
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Can I use bleach on my towels?
While bleach can be effective in removing stains and whitening your towels, it can also weaken fibres over time. It's advisable to use bleach sparingly and only on white towels.
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How can I restore the softness of my old, stiff towels?
A good method is to wash them with warm water and a cup of white vinegar, which helps in breaking down residues left by detergents and fabric softeners.
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Is it necessary to separate towels by colour every time?
Yes, separating towels by colour helps prevent colour bleeding and maintains the original hue of your towels.
