Sometimes the easiest laundry hack isn’t the smartest one.
Tossing your towels in with your regular clothes might save a few minutes, but it can lead to lint, stretched fabrics, damp clothes, and even shrinkage. Towels are heavier and rougher than most clothing, and they deserve their own dedicated wash.
Also see: Ways to use laundry detergent beyond the washing machine
Why towels should be washed separately
Washing towels with clothes or bedding can cause problems. Lightweight fabrics can get pulled, twisted, or even torn by heavier towels during the wash.
Towels also shed lint that sticks to clothing and bed linens, leaving them looking fuzzy. Plus, towels take longer to dry. If mixed with other items, clothes can shrink or come out damp, making laundry day longer than it needs to be.
Keep towels away from bedding
Even if it seems harmless, washing towels with bed linens isn’t ideal. Towels pick up dirt, food spills, and bacteria from daily use. Combining them with sheets or pillowcases can transfer grime and stains. Keeping towels in their own load helps maintain hygiene and protects your other laundry items.
Also see: Ultimate Guide to Deep-Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Smart tips for washing towels
Wash new towels first: Before using them, wash new towels a couple of times. This removes any chemical finishes and makes them more absorbent, while also disinfecting them from germs picked up in the store.
Sort by type and purpose: Bath towels, kitchen towels, and cleaning cloths should each be washed together.This prevents cross-contamination and ensures different towel fabrics and weights don’t wear unevenly.
Mind the colours: Separate light and dark towels to prevent dye transfer. Wash whites in hot water and darker colours in warm water.
Add natural boosters: A splash of white vinegar in a hot wash brightens colours, reduces musty smells, and removes buildup. If you have hard water, adding half a cup of baking soda softens the water and improves detergent performance.
Laundry mistakes to avoid
Overloading the washing machine: Towels get heavy when wet, so filling the drum more than halfway can prevent them from washing properly. Overstuffed machines can lead to torn seams, uneven cleaning, and excessive strain on your appliance.
Overloading the dryer: Give towels space to tumble. Too many towels in one load can come out damp and stiff. Using dryer balls helps fluff them up, reduces static, and speeds up drying.
Using fabric softener: Skip traditional fabric softeners for towels. They leave a residue that reduces absorbency, and using them on kitchen or microfiber towels can make them less effective.
First published by Woman & Home
Compiled by Maegan-Leigh Jacobs
Also see: ANC comrade washing people’s clothes in door-to-door campaign shocks many
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