Harmful Practices Ruining the Durability of Your Towels
Title: Keep Your Towels Fluffy and Lasting Longer: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Dewing your day with a fresh, fluffy towel after a shower is undeniably delightful. But if your once-luxurious bathroom essentials have started to look dull, fray, or simply not 'awesome' enough, it might be time to reconsider your towel treatment methods. With proper care, you can prolong the life of your towels and maintain that soft, absorbent feel. Here's a rundown of how long your towels typically last and some common towel-ruining behaviors to avoid.
How Long Should Towels Last?
The lifespan of your towels mostly depends on the quality of the fabric, your level of care, and usage frequency. Generally speaking, towels have a lifespan of about two to five years. If you frequently switch out a few towels, they might last a bit longer.
Signs that your towels are ready for a replacement include noticeable fraying, a significant lack of absorbency, or a scratchy, uncomfortable feel.
Mistakes to Avoid with Your Towels
1. Overuse of Detergent
A common belief is that more detergent equals a cleaner wash, but this isn't the case when it comes to towels. Use only 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent for a full load in a high-efficiency machine. Excess detergent can leave your towels looking dingy, stiff, and with reduced absorbency.
Stuck with too much soap? Try soaking your towels in a tub of distilled vinegar and water. Alternatively, consider laundry stripping to help reduce soap buildup.
2. Bleaching Your Towels
While bleach might help remove stains from white towels, it's not necessary and can eventually harm the towels. Instead, opt for oxygen bleach to refresh and brighten your towels.
3. Washing Too Frequently or Not Enough
Washing towels too often can be damaging, but neglecting the wash will result in bacterial and microbial growth, which is even harder to tackle. Wash bath towels every three to four uses. For daily-use hand towels, consider changing them regularly to prevent virus and bacteria spread.
4. Overloading Your Washing Machine or Dryer
Avoid cramming your washing machine or dryer full of towels to ensure proper tumbling and agitation. Leaving towels damp can encourage mold growth.
5. Using Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets
These products coat the towel fibers, reducing their ability to absorb moisture. Stick with dryer balls instead to keep your towels soft and fluffy.
6. Leaving Towels on the Floor
Damp towels left on the floor quickly become a bacterial hotspot. Make sure to dry and store towels effectively.
7. Exposing Towels to Chlorine
Pool water chlorine can damage the towels and fade colors. Wash your beach towels immediately after use to preserve their lifespan.
8. Washing Towels With Other Items
Towels can be abraded and damaged by velcro, fasteners, and rough textured items. Avoid washing with these items to prolong towel lifespan.
9. Mixing Kitchen and Bath Towels
Cleaning chemicals and dirt on kitchen towels can contaminate your bath towels. Do your laundry with separate loads for different towel types.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can maintain and extend your towels' life, ensuring they remain soft, absorbent, and fresh for a long time.
- To prolong the life of your towels, you might want to consider purchasing towels from RealSimple's collection, known for their high-quality fabric and durability.
- To avoid shortening the lifespan of your towels, it's crucial to avoid overloading your washing machine or dryer during the cleaning process.
- If you've noticed your towels losing their fluffiness and absorbency, consider avoiding the use of fabric softener or dryer sheets, as they can coat the towel fibers and reduce their effectiveness.
- To ensure your towels last as long as possible, avoid washing them with items that can abrade or damage their fibers, such as velcro or rough textured items.
