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For a seemingly simple topic – how to wash towels – there are actually a number of mistakes one can make when washing towels. Similar to knowing how to wash clothes by hand or how to keep bed sheets sharp, there are some unwritten or little known rules for cleaning your towels. From not washing them as often to washing them with a rag, there are some obvious do’s and don’ts when washing towels – and a surprising product you should never use when washing towels.
Like with plates, the “rules” of washing towels have changed because of advances in detergent formulations and washing machine technology. According to Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of communications at American Cleaning Institute, “Most laundry can now be done with cold water. That should be the default. And yes, he included towels in that statement.
This is good news for your wallet! Switching to cold water washing will in most cases cut your energy bills; Jessica Zinna, a senior scientist at Procter & Gamble, estimates that “up to 90 percent of the energy used in the laundry process heats up the laundry detergent for a warm or hot cycle.” She saves from switching to cold water washing at about $150 a year. It’s not just your energy bill that will benefit from the switch: “It’s more sustainable, and by reducing wear or tear, your towels will last longer,” says ACI’s Sansoni.
There are times when using hot or warm water to wash towels will be a better choice. ACI of Laundry level The infographic provides guidance on when to use hot or warm water to wash clothes.
Switching to cold water is a change in the way we do our laundry, but there are two other “rules” that aren’t new but are often forgotten when it comes to washing towels – and they’re important.
The first is to use the right amount of detergent. Often, people add more detergent than necessary, thinking that more detergent means cleaner. Not so! In fact, using too much detergent will leave towels full of residue as they come out of the washing machine, which can irritate skin, make towels feel stiff, lead to lingering musty or musty odors and Over time, making towels become duller. Bath Towels. “To keep your towels soft and absorbent, use only the required amount of detergent,” says Sansoni.
Towels that are no longer absorbent or waxy to them, have almost certainly been washed with fabric softener – and that’s another unforgettable towel rule: Don’t use water. soften fabric .
That means no liquid fabric softener, which means no dryer sheets. Not available. Fabric softener leaves a coating on towels that makes them less absorbent, and over time contributes to a product build-up in towels that makes them look dull and smell less fresh.
Fabric softener can be a tough habit to break, and for those who find it lacking in the scent that fabric softener gives their towels, the odor-causing particles in laundry detergent – do nothing but provide a pleasant scent. fragrance for laundry – is a good choice.
Microfiber towels need to be treated differently than cotton and cotton towels, especially when it comes to the microfiber towels used for cleaning. This is true of microfiber cloths used for house cleaning, as well as fabrics used to wipe delicate surfaces such as eyeglasses and electronics.
All rags, regardless of material, should be washed separately from other laundry to prevent contamination and damage from detergent residue. In particular, when washing microfiber, avoid using fabric softeners and bleach, they will damage the microfibers, making the fabric no longer effective. Also avoid washing microfiber with cotton and other mint fabrics, which will cling to the microfibers.
Although kitchen towels can be washed like towels, in cold water with normal detergent, you should avoid washing them at the same time as towels and other soiled items.
However, there are times when you should use warm or hot water when washing kitchen towels. “If kitchen towels are used to wipe up mess, hotter water can help get rid of germs,” says Sansoni, “There are also some stains, like oil or grease, that come off more easily in warmer water,” says Sansoni. . ”
If kitchen towels are yellowed, use a stain remover before washing them. Shout is especially good on food stains like chocolate and ketchup, while Pine Sol removes grease stains very well.
Towel should be washed every three to five uses, and wiper should be washed after every one to three uses. Both should be hung to dry between uses.
Handkerchief should be changed every few days. Typically, this means using two to three new hand towels per week and washing them along with the bath and face towels.
Kitchen towels Used to wipe clean dishes or wipe hands should be changed every two days, and those used to clean up spills or clutter should be washed after each use.
Microfiber towel used for cleaning should be washed after each use. Microfiber cloth Used to clean electronics and eyeglasses should be washed every three to five uses.
Like bed sheets, towels can be left to dry in the sun; Because they’re heavy and take longer to dry than most other laundry items, indoor chain drying isn’t the best option.
When machine drying towels, select the normal or automatic cycle and use the machine’s humidity sensor, if that feature is available. Towels that are too dry will cause the material to degrade and fade. The dryer ball will help speed up drying time and add extra softness to the towel.
Microfiber towels, unlike cotton or cotton towels, must be air dried or tumble dried on low or no heat.
While washing towels that are too dry should be avoided, Sansoni also notes that “towels can take longer to dry and retain moisture, so make sure they are completely dry before folding and storing them.” Placing towels while still damp can lead to the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Ideally, wash kitchen towels and bath towels separately – and never share rags with any other laundry, to avoid contamination.
If you don’t use new towels or bath towels every day, hang them up to dry between uses to prevent them from smelling musty.
Hand towels should be hung near the sink for easy access when wiping hands and to dry between uses.
