A towel earns its keep by being washed, dried and used again and again. These habits suit most cotton towels in laundries, hotels and short-stay properties. They are general practice, not a promise about any one product, so always follow the care label on your own towels.
1. Wash Before First Use
New towels carry finishing from the factory. A first wash rinses it off and helps the towel drink water.
2. Sort Colours From Whites
Wash dark colours apart from white towels so colour does not travel.
3. Do Not Overload the Machine
Towels need room to move so water and detergent can pass through the loops.
4. Skip Fabric Softener and Bleach
Softener can coat the fibres and make towels less absorbent, and bleach can weaken them.
5. Dry on Low or Dry in Shade
Strong heat and sun can wear fibres and fade colour.
6. Rotate Your Stock
Hold more than one full change of towels so they rest between uses and wear evenly. Our guide on how many towels a hotel needs explains the rule of thumb.
7. Snip Loose Loops, Never Pull
Pulling a loop can unravel the pile around it. Trim it flush with scissors instead.
8. Treat Marks Early
Deal with marks as soon as you can, and check the care label before using stain removers on coloured towels.
Related: Our six-habit towel care guide
