How to Wash Towels to Keep Them Soft and Absorbent

1. Wash New Towels Before First Use

It may be tempting to use your new towels right away, but washing them first is essential. During manufacturing, towels are often treated with a silicone or fabric softener coating to make them look extra soft on the shelf. However, this coating actually reduces absorbency.

Wash new towels in warm water with a small amount of detergent and no fabric softener. This removes any finishing agents and allows the fibers to open up, improving absorbency from the first use.

2. Don’t Overload the Washing Machine

One of the most common mistakes when washing towels is overloading the washer. Towels need plenty of space to move freely so that water and detergent can circulate effectively.

If the machine is too full, towels won’t rinse properly, leading to detergent buildup and stiffness. Always follow your washer’s load recommendations — typically, washing 4 to 6 towels at once is ideal for a standard-sized machine.

3. Choose the Right Water Temperature

Water temperature plays a huge role in maintaining towel quality:

• Warm water is best for regular washing — it effectively removes body oils and bacteria without damaging fibers.
• Hot water can be used occasionally to deep clean or disinfect white towels, especially after illness.
• Cold water helps preserve colors and prevents shrinkage for dark or colorful towels.

A mix of warm and cold washes alternated over time can give the best results.

4. Use the Right Amount of Detergent

More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner towels. In fact, too much detergent leaves residue on fibers, which makes towels feel rough and stiff.

Use about half the amount of detergent you’d normally use for a clothing load. Choose a mild, liquid detergent free from dyes or perfumes, as harsh chemicals can damage the fibers over time.

For white towels, an occasional wash with oxygen-based bleach (not chlorine bleach) helps maintain brightness without weakening the material.

5. Skip the Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners may seem like a good idea, but they actually reduce absorbency. They coat towel fibers with a waxy residue that makes them feel smooth temporarily but blocks the fibers’ ability to soak up water.

If you want extra softness, use white vinegar instead. Add half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle once every few washes — it helps dissolve detergent residue, neutralize odors, and naturally soften the fabric.

6. Add Baking Soda for Freshness

For musty or stiff towels, baking soda works wonders. Add half a cup to your regular detergent during the wash cycle. It helps remove odors, break down residue, and restore freshness without damaging the fibers.

A combination of vinegar and baking soda (in separate washes) is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep towels soft and fluffy.

7. Shake Towels Before Drying

Once the wash cycle is complete, give each towel a good shake before putting it in the dryer or on the line. Shaking helps fluff up the fibers and reduce clumping, ensuring even drying and maintaining a soft texture.

8. Dry Towels Properly

Drying is a critical step that affects the softness and absorbency of your towels.

• Tumble drying: Use a medium heat setting. Overdrying can damage fibers, while too little drying leaves towels damp and musty. Toss in a few dryer balls or clean tennis balls — they help circulate air and prevent towels from clumping.
• Air drying: If you prefer line drying, give towels a shake afterward or toss them in the dryer for 10 minutes on low heat to soften them.

Avoid drying towels in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can make them stiff and fade the color.

9. Avoid Ironing

Ironing towels flattens the loops in the fabric, reducing fluffiness and absorbency. Instead, fold and store them once they’re completely dry and soft.

10. Wash Towels Separately

Washing towels with clothes can cause problems for both. Towels produce lint that can cling to other garments, and washing them with items that use zippers or hooks may cause snagging.

Always wash towels separately to maintain their softness, color, and shape.

11. How Often Should You Wash Towels?

Towels should ideally be washed after every three to four uses. Damp towels are a breeding ground for bacteria, so ensure they’re hung properly between uses to dry completely.

Wash gym or hand towels more frequently, as they accumulate sweat and bacteria faster.

12. Store Towels the Right Way

Once clean and dry, fold towels neatly and store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid stacking them too tightly to allow airflow and maintain freshness.

For an added touch, place a few lavender sachets or dryer sheets between stacks to keep them smelling fresh.

Final Thoughts

Keeping towels soft and absorbent isn’t about expensive products — it’s about simple, consistent care. Avoid harsh detergents and softeners, don’t overload your washer, and remember to give them the occasional vinegar or baking soda refresh.

With just a few mindful steps, you’ll enjoy hotel-like softness and long-lasting absorbency every time you reach for your towel.