How to Care for New Bath Towels
Your bath towels may have seen better days, so you've decided to take the plunge and purchase new ones. According to Cotton Incorporated, a cotton industry website, most consumers look for softness and absorbency when purchasing towels. Although bath towels feel fluffy and soft in the store, manufacturers often coat them with a chemical softener, and the residue keeps them from absorbing water. Your new bath towels also might not be clean, having been handled by other shoppers. Start your new towels out right to keep them fresh, soft and absorbent. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Put your new bath towels, 1/2 cup laundry detergent and 1 cup distilled white vinegar in the washing machine. White vinegar will help set the color of the towels, prevent fading and get rid of any manufacturing odors.
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Set the washing machine on the hottest water setting to kill any bacteria. Allow the washing machine to run full cycle.
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Place the washed bath towels in the dryer. Set the dryer at a low-heat setting to avoid damaging the fibers.
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Store the new bath towels with your other bath linens.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a mild laundry detergent if your bath towels have lace, embroidery or other decorations.
Forget the fabric softener, the Good. Although everyone loves snuggly towels, dryer sheets and liquid softener add a coating that inhibits absorption.
Avoid overloading the washing machine because that can prevent your new towels from properly getting cleaned.
Don't use fabric softeners on the new bath towels. The Good Housekeeping website says fabric softeners leave residue on the towels that stiffens the pile and reduces absorbency.
References
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