Allen Civlak, laundry expert and head of the British company 'Mary's Kitchen Flour Sack Towels', explained common laundry myths. Roughly, a towel lasts from two to five years, and the service life depends on the quality of the product, how often it is used and how it is maintained. He highlighted several problematic theories and myths. It reveals how to properly care for towels.
Myth 1: Towels only need cold water
While cold water is great for some materials, it's not the best option for towels. Namely, only warmer water will kill the bacteria that accumulate on the towels.
"It's important to check the wash label of each towel for temperature recommendations as these can vary. Hot water, usually around 60°C, is more effective at killing bacteria and removing body oils that hide in the towel's fibres," he said.
"In order to avoid damaging the fibers, choose a medium-intensive washing and drying cycle. Wash them every few months with water with a little white vinegar in it, to remove detergent deposits and keep the smell of freshness," emphasized the expert.
Myth 2: More detergent means cleaner towels
It turned out that an excessive amount of detergent could cause problems with washing, he emphasized.
"Excess detergent can spoil towels, leaving behind a residue that makes them stiff and less absorbent. To keep them fluffy and soft, use a high-performance detergent and follow the instructions," Civlak told dailystar.
Myth 3: Fabric softener makes towels fluffy
"Softener may seem like a nice addition to your laundry routine, but it actually coats the towel fibers, reducing their absorbency over time. Skip it and embrace the natural texture of clean towels. For extra softness, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle," she suggests.
Myth 4: Wet in the basket
"Wet towels are a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Always hang your towels to dry completely after each use before tossing them in the laundry basket. Shake the towels immediately after they're done drying to make them as soft as possible," he points out.
Myth 5: Washing towels with other goods
He says that this should be skipped, it's not a good habit.
"Towels can pick up lint from other clothing, so it's best to wash them with similar items such as bath mats or washcloths to reduce lint transfer. Always separate towels of different colors before washing to prevent discoloration and avoid washing whites towels with colored towels," he pointed out.
Myth 6: Towels can be dried on radiators
"Avoid drying towels on radiators because they can be damaged. It is ideal to dry them in the dryer or outside," he emphasized.
They must be completely dry before putting them in the closet.
Myth 7: Towels last forever
Of course they don't last forever, even the best quality ones.
"High-quality towels made from materials like cotton or bamboo can last for several years with proper care, but they won't last forever either. Over time, all towels lose their absorbency. If they become stiff, thin, and don't absorb enough water, it's time to replace and renew them his collection," he reports Jutarnji list.
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