How to Wash Towels?
There's something to be said for the luxurious act of wrapping oneself in a plush, fluffy towel after a warm shower or relaxing bath. But towels very quickly become stiff, scratchy, and musty without proper laundering techniques. From Seattle Green Maids comes the best way to wash your towels so that they stay plush, absorbent, and fresh-smelling.
Sort and Separate Your Towels
The first step toward clean, soft towels is to organize them before placing them in the laundry. Towels should always be washed separately from other items, such as clothing or bedding because they shed lint that clings to other textiles and creates a mess. For best cleaning, Seattle Green Maids recommends washing seven bath towels at a time in a front-loading washer or 10 towels in a top-loader. Remember to keep dark-colored towels apart from light-colored towels to prevent color bleeding.
Select the Ideal Water Temperature
Hot water is normally advised for washing towels since it provides the most thorough cleaning and sanitizing. Always check the care label on your towels before washing. Some materials require warmth rather than heat to prevent fading. To extend the life of your towels, the cleaning professionals at Seattle Green Maids recommend that you wash them in cold water on occasion. However, for deep cleaning, make sure you use hot water.
Use Detergent Sparingly
Towels can be washed with your standard laundry detergent. The key is not to use too much detergent because it wears down the towels and turns them into sandpaper-like materials. Always measure the precise amount of detergent suggested on the back of the package. Seattle Green Maids recommends.
Add Vinegar for Enhanced Softness
Seattle Green Maids experts suggest this all-natural fabric softening boost: plain white vinegar. Simply add ½ to 1 cup of vinegar to your rinse cycle while washing your towels. No need to worry; the smell of the vinegar will completely vanish when the towels dry. Another little perk of this method is that vinegar helps lock in colors and eliminate odors.
Shake and Dry Thoroughly
As you transfer towels from the washer to the dryer, shake each one as vigorously as you can. This simple action fluffs the terry cloth fibers for improved softness. Tumble dry on the lowest heat setting, because high heat does damage to the fabric. Remove the towels from the dryer once they are completely dry. Even slight dampness eventually causes that moldy smell you abhor; caution the cleaning pros at Seattle Green Maids.
Refresh Musty Towels
Now, if your towels develop a musty smell, Seattle Green Maids says you should wash them with 1 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda. The vinegar will strip off odor-causing residue and buildup, while baking soda has natural deodorizing and smell-neutralizing properties. For best results, always hang towels up to air dry between uses, rather than leaving them in a damp heap on the floor.
Know When It's Time to Replace Old Towels
Towels wear down over time, even when regularly washed. Seattle Green Maids specialists often recommend replacing towels every 1-2 years of frequent use. If your old towels show any of the following characteristics, it's probably time to replace them: persistent odors that won't wash away, loss of towel softness and absorption, thin fringe, or fabric fraying. Old, ragged towels can always be reused as cleaning rags.
Following these Seattle Green Maids professional suggestions on how to wash towels will allow you to enjoy the simple pleasure of having fresh, fluffy, and pleasantly smelling towels for many years. SeattleGreenMaids.com has more quick cleaning suggestions and high-quality, eco-friendly housekeeping services in the Seattle area.
