Can towels be washed at home?
Moisture. bacteria and regular skin contact. Towels are a specific type of material that requires thorough and regular washing. On the one hand, washing towels should remove all kinds of bacteria and germs, but on the other hand, it must be gentle enough so that the towels do not stiffen. Wiping the skin with rough towels is not pleasant and may be irritating to sensitive skin. Experts indicate that it is best to use a relatively high temperature to wash towels. In the case of cotton towels, it may be our 60 degrees Celsius. There are also synthetic towels available on the market that dry faster and are perfect for traveling. When washing such materials, it is best to choose a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius.
Recently, home methods have been recommended for washing towels. They are often as effective as purchased liquids and washing powders, and much cheaper. Many people use vinegar, which softens fabrics and removes unpleasant odors. , and its frequent use may affect the rubber elements of the washing machine.
Add 4 tablespoons of this to your towel wash. A chemist’s method for clean towels
My chemist at school used to say that a great way to wash towels is ordinary table salt. It has properties that are perfect for washing. First of all, table salt protects colors and prevents them from fading. Additionally, salt can enhance the effect of washing powder and eliminate unpleasant odors that often appear on towels. You can use regular salt from the kitchen or buy ready-made mixtures. You should pay about PLN 40 for 1.5 kilograms of laundry salt. When adding salt to wash towels, you can mix it with powder or add it solo directly to the washing machine drum.
How does salt work in laundry? It’s more than just softening
Although table salt is mainly associated with the taste of dishes, its chemical properties make it a valuable ally in caring for fabrics. The key mechanism of its action is water softening. Salt effectively neutralizes calcium and magnesium ions, which are responsible for water hardness and scale formation. Thanks to this, detergents can work more effectively and the heating element in the washing machine is protected against harmful deposits. But that’s not all – salt also makes it easier to rinse out the remains of powder and liquid, which stick to the fibers and cause them to stiffen.
Additionally, salt has hygroscopic properties, which means that it binds moisture perfectly. During washing, it helps remove organic residues such as sweat and dead skin cells from deep within the fabric. As a result, after removing the towels from the washing machine, they are not only softer, but also better refreshed and free of unpleasant odors.
Powder and fabric softener? Avoid them when washing towels
Many people, wanting to achieve a fluffy effect, use large amounts of washing powder and fabric softeners. However, this is one of the most common mistakes that backfires. Ordinary powder often does not rinse out completely, and its particles settle deep between the fibers of the towel. Over time, they form a hard, rough layer that drastically reduces the absorbency of the material.
Fabric softeners work similarly. Although they seem to make fabrics soft, they actually coat the fibers with a thin, waxy coating. This layer limits the towel’s ability to absorb water, making it less functional. Instead of investing in these products, it is better to choose natural methods that do not clog the fibers and actually improve their structure.
How to dry towels to keep them fluffy? Key principles
The washing itself is only half the battle. To make your towels truly cloud-soft, drying them properly is key. At the end of the washing cycle, before hanging up, each towel should be shaken vigorously. This simple gesture allows you to loosen and lift tangled fibers, which significantly affects their subsequent fluffiness.
While drying, ensure adequate air circulation to the towels. Hang them freely, keeping spaces apart, avoiding folding them in half. Importantly, avoid drying them on a hot radiator or in direct sunlight – high temperatures make the fibers harden and rough. For the same reason, it is better to give up ironing. By allowing your towels to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area, you will keep them as soft and absorbent as possible for longer.
