The short answer: wash new towels before use, at the temperature stated on the label, with only a little detergent, and let them dry on low heat. Always follow the care label on the individual towel, as it takes precedence.
Contents
Towels meet water, soap and skin every day, and this wears on the fibres over time. That's why it matters how you wash them from the very start, and how you keep them soft and absorbent through many washes. In this guide, we take a closer look at the recommendations for Bongusta's Naram towels from the shop, which are a good example of what a proper care label includes, supplemented with general advice on temperature, soap and drying.
The short answer on washing new towels
A new towel should be washed before it's used for the first time, even if it feels clean in the bag. Wash it at the temperature stated on the label, use only a little detergent, and dry on low heat or hang it up to dry. This applies to both a single guest towel and a whole set of bath towels, and it's the same approach you'll use again and again for regular washing.
New towels: wash them before use
Even though a new towel looks clean and feels clean, it should be washed before it's used for the first time. Bongusta already pre-washes all its towels, so they absorb optimally from the first use, but they still recommend a wash before the towel is used at home. This gives you a towel that's ready to perform at its best from day one.
This applies regardless of colour and size. The shop has towels in many colours and sizes, and the approach is the same: a wash at the recommended temperature before the towel lands in the bathroom.
Temperature: how hot can towels be washed
Temperature is one of the most important factors when washing towels, and here the label on the towel is always the definitive source. For Bongusta's Naram towels, they should be washed at a maximum of 60 degrees and together with similar colours. This is a temperature that both cleans thoroughly and is gentle on the organic cotton fibres.
The Naram towels are made from 100 percent organic cotton at 600 g/m², with combed yarn and double thread, and they're OEKO-TEX Made in Green certified. This quality deserves a wash that matches the material, so you should always check the label on the individual towel before choosing a programme and temperature.
See the range of Bongusta towels in the shop, hand-picked by Dinna.
See Bongusta towelsDetergent and fabric softener: less is better
It's tempting to pour plenty of detergent into the drawer, but for towels, this does more harm than good. Use only a little detergent, as it preserves both softness and the ability to absorb water. Too much soap settles in the fibres and makes the towel stiff, so it feels rough against the skin and absorbs less well, even though it looks clean.
Coloured towels should be washed together with similar colours, so the shades stay vibrant wash after wash. This applies to both a single towel and a whole set, whether it's a bath towel or a smaller guest towel.
Tip: Go easy on the detergent, even when the towels are very dirty. It's better to run an extra rinse than add more soap if you want to avoid stiff towels.
Drying: low heat or hang to dry
After washing, towels should be dried gently. Dry on low heat in the tumble dryer, or hang the towels up to dry, so both colours and fibres are protected. High heat can wear out both the cotton fibres and the colours more quickly, so low heat is preferable if you use a tumble dryer.
Whatever method you use, the point is the same: the towel needs to dry completely before it's used again or put away, so it stays fresh and absorbent for as long as possible.
How often should you wash towels
Between washes, it's important that towels can dry completely. Towels should be hung up so they can dry fully between uses, rather than lying folded or in a damp pile. A towel that never gets to dry properly becomes damp more quickly and needs washing more often than necessary.
Wash your towels regularly, and always follow the temperature and instructions stated on the label of the individual towel, so you get the most out of the quality over time.
Hanging loops: how to handle them
Many towels have a small loop sewn in, so they can be hung on a hook. If the loop gets stuck or is in the way, it should be cut off with a pair of scissors. Never pull on the thread, as this can tug at the seam and damage the towel. A simple cut is the gentle solution if the loop is no longer needed.
Frequently asked questions
Should you wash new towels before use?
Yes, even if the towel is pre-washed at the factory, it's recommended to wash it before using it for the first time.
How many degrees should towels be washed at?
It depends on the brand of the individual towel. For Bongusta's Naram towels, they should be washed at no more than 60 degrees.
Why are my towels stiff?
This is often caused by too much detergent, which settles in the fibres. Use only a small amount of detergent to preserve softness and absorbency.
Can you use fabric softener on towels?
Always follow the care label on the individual towel, as it dictates what is recommended.
How do you dry towels?
Dry at a low temperature in the tumble dryer, or hang the towels up to dry, so the colours and fibres are looked after.
What do you do with the hanging loop on a towel?
If the loop gets stuck or is in the way, cut it off with a pair of scissors. Never pull on the thread.
Summary
Washing towels properly is about following the brand, using a small amount of detergent and drying gently. Wash new towels before use, stick to the temperature on the care label, and let the towels dry completely between each use, so they stay soft and absorbent for as long as possible.
Read also
- What's the difference between cotton, linen and wool in home textiles?
- How do you wash wool? Caring for wool blankets and wool textiles
- How do you care for and wash a throw?
- How to clean a rug yourself
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