We’ve covered the topic of the value that high-quality towels bring in this very blog section on numerous occasions.
There are many different types of towels that come with a wide range of benefits for their potential owners as well as the planet - they’re antibacterial, hypo-allergenic and very absorbent. Their superpowers come from a very special kind of fabric, made exclusively from sustainable materials.
An environmentally conscious approach to manufacturing processes is extremely important in any business – perhaps even more so in the textile industry.
But there’s more to sustainability than just materials and production. And it doesn’t really matter if we’re talking about bamboo bath towels, a natural bath mat or even a quick dry bath mat made from diatomite.
There’s another side to it – product lifespan. In other words, how long can we use it for? How often do we have to make the same purchase? And that’s a big one.
This is also why nowadays we’re doing what we can to upcycle. We don’t want to add to the already huge amount of waste produced every year.
Proper Care
We’ve got a responsibility here – but don’t worry, this one’s in your best interest. And the idea itself is pretty simple.
It doesn’t matter how eco-friendly the product is, it needs special care if we want to use it for a few years. And that’s also true for towels.
With the right routine, it’s possible to keep them soft and fluffy with their distinct, luxurious feel for a long time. Because even though it may not be the biggest investment, they still have a bigger price tag than some plush or microfibre models. So – it’s worth it.
Washing Towels
There’s a little more to it than just throwing them into a washing machine. Thankfully – not that much more, just a few things to keep in mind. These tips work for bamboo as well as organic cotton towels.
Breaking In
To enjoy the full range of benefits sustainable towels have to offer, we first need to unlock them in a way. And that involves soaking them before the first use.
Hot water (not scalding) will work great in this scenario. This will do two things; tighten the weave structure and, as a result, reduce snagging. Most of the towels achieve their full absorbency and peak softness after a few washes.
Separation
It should go without saying, but we’re saying it anyway – don’t wash your light towels with dark ones.
As a matter of fact, it’s best to wash them separately from other items as well.
These fibres are rather delicate and it’s easy to damage them. They tend to get tangled with other items, which is not exactly ideal for cleaning them effectively.
You may not notice at first, but after some time it’ll start showing.
Load your Washing Machine Efficiently
This piece of advice works for anything you’re washing, not just towels. It’s really important to load your laundry in an efficient manner – that means not too much, not too little.
We get it, nobody wants to drown in laundry and do endless cycles 24/7 for the sake of efficiency.
But that’s the thing – you can’t go overboard either. Load too little, and you’re going to have to repeat the process quite a few times.
Bad for your wallet, bad for the planet.
Grab a Mild Detergent
We don’t have a specific product recommendation, but most of them are actually fine for towels. Just don’t add too much and make sure it’s a mild one.
As a rule of thumb, we’d say about half the recommended amount is fine to ensure your towels come out on the other side in the best shape possible.
What’s the harm? It’s not irreversible (at least at first), but they can get overly stiff if you’re too generous with detergent. Beware with fabric softener too, this can have a negative impact on the towel's absorbency over time.
The Right Cycle
This is what can actually ruin your towels – picking the wrong washing cycle. The only choice here is a delicate one with a water temperature set at 30℃.
As we mentioned, these fibres are quite fragile and the risk of physical damage is real. That’s also the reason why you should opt for medium spin cycles for drying as well.
Skip Extras
You may be tempted to add just a splash of bleach or, some fabric softener, or even some vinegar and baking soda in order try and keep your towels soft.
That’s not necessary, more often than not, and you should avoid it. They’re especially dangerous for bamboo fibres.
Drying
Now that your towels are fresh and clean, it’s time for drying. The best option is to hang towels and let them air dry, hands down.
It’s also a good idea to keep them away from any chemicals, including toothpaste, bleach or teeth whiteners. Ideally, outside. Or better yet – do it until they’re almost completely dry, and then put them in the tumble drier on a low setting. This little trick can help improve absorbency even further.
Last word of advice – don’t let them hang in the sun for too long. This can have some serious repercussions over time as bamboo fibres can get damaged due to prolonged heat exposure.
Storage
This may come off as quite a surprise, but the bathroom is not the best place to keep your towels for a variety of reasons.
First of all, bathrooms are quite small so any heat sources have a stronger effect. And while it’s good for keeping us warm, they’re not ideal for towels, creating perfect conditions for bacterial growth.
Even though bamboo has natural antibacterial properties, too much heat isn’t optimal anyway.
Another thing is the ever-changing humidity. Of course, sometimes the bathroom is the only option. If that’s the case, opt for natural storage space – like a linen closet or just a wooden bathroom rack.
Final Tips
One of the most important questions is how often should you wash your towels.
Generally speaking, due to their very specific purpose, we should always count the uses, not the days.
It all depends on your routine, but once a week is typically enough, although some manufacturers suggest every 3-4 days.
These towels, as luxurious as they are, tend to also be quite delicate. Check for any physical damage or loops and simply snip them off with a pair of scissors. That should do it.
As long as we keep these few things in mind, it’s really not that hard. Stick to this simple routine and make it your own.
This way you’ll get to enjoy your set of luxurious and eco-friendly towels for years to come!