Soft, fluffy towels are something we all love to have in our bathroom. Unfortunately, over time they can lose their softness, and washing mistakes are often to blame. One of the key factors that affects towel quality is the right washing temperature. How do you wash towels so they stay soft and pleasant to the touch for longer?
Guide:
What temperature should you wash towels at?
Why does temperature matter?
Which washing program should you use for towels?
What temperature should you wash microfiber towels at?
Washing whites – how many degrees?
Washing towels at 90 degrees - whites wash
Washing towels with vinegar and baking soda
How to wash towels to keep them soft?
How to wash towels - summary
What temperature should you wash towels at?
Choosing the right washing temperature for towels is key to keeping them soft and hygienic. Here are a few tips to help you find the right temperature:
Cotton towels – The most popular towels are made of cotton. It's recommended to wash them at 40°C to 60°C, depending on how soiled they are. For everyday use and standard dirt, 40°C is more than enough to remove grime and bacteria while protecting the fibers from excessive wear.
60°C is recommended when towels are heavily soiled or used by someone who is ill. This temperature effectively kills germs, which is especially important for hygiene.
Microfiber towels – Microfiber is a very delicate material that requires a lower washing temperature. The recommended temperature is 30°C to 40°C, to avoid damaging the fibers and to preserve their absorbency.
Bamboo towels – Towels made from bamboo fibers, prized for their antibacterial properties and softness, are best washed at 30°C to 40°C. High temperatures can negatively affect the delicacy of this material.
Why does temperature matter?
Washing at too high a temperature can damage the towel fibers, making them rough and causing them to lose their softness. On top of that, the higher the temperature, the more energy is used, which affects not only washing costs but also the environment. That's why it's worth matching the washing temperature to the type of towel and how soiled it is, to keep a balance between hygiene and durability of the fabric.
Which washing program should you use for towels?
Choosing the right washing program for towels matters just as much as temperature. Most modern washing machines have a dedicated "towel wash" program that automatically adjusts the temperature, wash time, and water amount for the best results. If your washing machine doesn't have that option, it's recommended to choose more intensive programs, such as:
Cotton – ideal for cotton towels, typically running at 40°C to 60°C.
Intensive wash – designed for more heavily soiled fabrics, offers longer wash cycles that help clean towels thoroughly.
Hygiene – this program usually offers a temperature around 60°C or higher, which works great when towels are used by someone who is ill or need extra disinfection.
It's important to avoid short wash cycles, since towels need a longer process to get rid of all dirt and detergent residue.
What temperature should you wash microfiber towels at?
If you're wondering what temperature to wash microfiber towels at, remember not to exceed 40°C. Microfiber is a delicate material that can get damaged at higher temperatures, which in turn affects its absorbency and softness. Washing microfiber towels below 40°C not only protects the fibers but also helps preserve their properties, such as quick drying and effective moisture absorption. Also avoid using fabric softener, as it can clog the microscopic fibers and weaken their performance.
Washing whites – how many degrees?
White towels, which get dirty easily and can turn yellow, are best washed at higher temperatures. To keep them snow-white and clean, 60°C is ideal, since it removes dirt, bacteria, and stains without excessively wearing down the fabric. However, if white towels are especially soiled, you can wash them at up to 90°C – as long as the manufacturer allows it. Keep in mind that regularly washing at very high temperatures can weaken the towel fibers.
Washing towels at 90 degrees - whites wash
Washing at 90°C is usually used to disinfect very soiled towels, especially in situations where bacteria, fungi, or viruses need to be removed (for example, after an illness). This temperature is effective at killing germs, but should be used with caution, since frequent washing at 90°C can weaken the fabric's fibers and shorten the towels' lifespan.
If you're planning to wash at 90°C, make sure your towels are made from materials that can handle it, and that the manufacturer doesn't recommend a lower temperature. It's recommended to use a 90°C wash only in exceptional situations, for example, when washing white towels that need thorough disinfection.
Washing towels with vinegar and baking soda
One of the best home remedies for keeping towels soft is adding vinegar and baking soda to the wash. Vinegar acts as a natural softener, neutralizing detergent residue that can make towels rough, and it also helps remove unpleasant odors. Baking soda, in turn, disinfects and removes stubborn stains.
How do you wash towels with vinegar and baking soda?
Add half a cup of vinegar to the fabric softener compartment during the main wash cycle.
Baking soda (about half a cup) can be added directly to the drum along with the towels.
Using vinegar and baking soda works especially well when dealing with hard water, which can make towels feel rough.
It's worth doing this every few washes to prevent detergent buildup and keep your towels soft.
How to wash towels to keep them soft?
Avoid too much detergent – Using too much powder or liquid detergent can leave residue on towel fibers, which over time makes them rough. Choose gentle detergents and use them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Limit the use of fabric softener – While fabric softener may seem like the perfect solution for soft towels, it can actually make them less absorbent. It's best to use it only occasionally, and add vinegar to the wash instead, which naturally softens fabric.
Drying towels – How you dry your towels also affects their softness. Tumble drying at a low temperature makes towels fluffier. If you air-dry your towels, though, it's worth "shaking them out" before hanging them up to avoid stiffness.
Don't overload the washing machine – Towels need room in the washing machine to move freely and rinse thoroughly. An overloaded machine can trap detergent and dirt residue in the fibers, which negatively affects the towels' softness.
How to wash towels - summary
To sum up, the right temperature for washing towels mostly depends on their type and how soiled they are. Cotton towels are best washed at 40°C to 60°C to keep them soft and clean, while microfiber towels should be washed at a maximum of 40°C so as not to damage the delicate fibers. White towels and those that need disinfecting can be washed at up to 90°C, but it's best to do this occasionally so as not to weaken the fabric.
Regularly using vinegar and baking soda will also help keep fabrics soft by preventing detergent residue from building up. It pays to take good care of your towels so you can enjoy their softness and durability for longer.
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