How to Wash Towels Properly & Keep Them Soft

Fresh, soft and absorbent towels feel great after a shower, but incorrect washing can gradually make them rough, less absorbent or musty. Too much detergent, overloading the washing machine, excessive fabric softener and improper drying are some of the most common reasons towels stop feeling fresh.

If you want to know how to wash towels properly, the key is to sort them correctly, use the right amount of detergent, select suitable wash settings and dry them completely before folding or storing.

In this guide, you will learn the best way to wash bath towels, how often towels should be washed, how to keep them soft and absorbent, and which common laundry mistakes to avoid.

If you regularly have towels, bedsheets and everyday clothes to wash, Laundrywala's professional laundry service provides wash & fold and other laundry-care options with doorstep convenience. Laundrywala also states that its laundry service covers household items such as towels and bedsheets.

Why Is It Important to Wash Towels Properly?

Towels are designed to absorb moisture. Every time you use one, its fibres can collect water, body oils, sweat and other residue.

If a towel remains damp for too long or is repeatedly washed incorrectly, it may eventually:

• Develop a musty smell
• Feel hard or rough
• Lose absorbency
• Hold detergent residue
• Take longer to dry
• Look dull
• Develop lint or fibre wear

The American Cleaning Institute laundry basics guide recommends sorting laundry according to colour, fabric type and care instructions before washing. It also recommends hanging bath towels to dry between uses.

How to Wash Towels Properly Step by Step

1. Check the Care Label

The first step in learning how to wash towels properly is checking the manufacturer's care label.

Not every towel should be treated exactly the same way. Towels can be made from:

• Cotton
• Egyptian cotton
• Bamboo blends
• Microfiber
• Synthetic fibres
• Decorative fabric blends

The label can tell you the recommended washing temperature, drying method and whether bleaching or other treatments are suitable.

Do not assume that a method suitable for a thick white cotton towel will also be suitable for a dark decorative or microfiber towel.

2. Separate White and Coloured Towels

Sort towels before washing.

Keep white towels separate from dark or brightly coloured towels, particularly when the coloured towels are new.

A simple sorting system is:

Load 1: White towels Load 2: Light-coloured towels Load 3: Dark or bright towels

This can help reduce colour transfer and keep white towels from becoming dull.

The Whirlpool towel-washing guide also recommends separating towels by colour before washing.

3. Wash Towels Separately From Regular Clothes

Whenever practical, wash towels separately from everyday clothing.

Towels are generally heavier and more absorbent than shirts, T-shirts, underwear and delicate garments.

A separate towel load can provide:

• Better water circulation
• Better rinsing
• Less lint transfer
• More suitable wash settings
• More even drying

It is especially useful to avoid mixing thick towels with delicate clothing.

4. Do Not Overload the Washing Machine

Trying to wash too many towels in one cycle may reduce cleaning efficiency.

Towels absorb a large amount of water and become considerably heavier when wet. They need enough space inside the drum to move during washing and rinsing.

If the washer is packed too tightly:

• Detergent may not distribute properly
• Dirt may remain trapped
• Towels may not rinse completely
• Residue may remain in the fibres

For a large family towel load, divide the laundry into smaller batches rather than forcing everything into one cycle.

5. Use the Correct Amount of Detergent

More detergent does not necessarily mean cleaner towels.

Using too much detergent can leave residue behind in towel fibres. Over time, buildup may contribute to stiffness and reduce how fresh the towel feels.

The American Cleaning Institute guide to laundry detergents recommends following detergent-label directions because both excessive and insufficient detergent can affect cleaning results.

Always measure detergent according to:

• Load size
• Detergent instructions
• Water hardness
• Soil level
• Washing-machine type

Avoid pouring extra detergent simply because towels are thick.

6. Choose the Correct Water Temperature

There is no one water temperature that is ideal for every towel.

The safest approach is to use the warmest temperature allowed by the care label.

Durable white cotton towels may tolerate warmer washing conditions, while coloured, decorative or specialised towels may require cooler settings.

Always follow the care label rather than assuming every towel should be washed in hot water.

7. Be Careful With Fabric Softener

Fabric softener may make towels feel smooth initially, but excessive use can affect absorbency.

Some fabric softeners coat towel fibres, making it harder for them to absorb water efficiently.

Whirlpool's laundry guidance specifically advises avoiding fabric softener when maximum towel absorbency is desired.

If your towels:

• Feel waxy
• Absorb water slowly
• Become stiff after repeated washing
• Develop recurring odours

product buildup may be one possible factor.

Use softener only when appropriate for the towel and follow the product instructions carefully.

8. Choose a Suitable Wash Cycle

When understanding how to wash towels properly, the wash cycle is just as important as detergent.

Many washing machines include a dedicated Towels, Cotton or Heavy Duty setting.

Whirlpool lists towel or heavy-duty washing cycles among the settings commonly used for towels, although the exact setting depends on the appliance and fabric care instructions.

Always check your washing-machine manual and towel label before selecting the cycle.

9. Remove Towels Immediately After Washing

Do not leave freshly washed towels sitting inside a closed washing machine for hours.

Towels hold a lot of moisture. If they remain wet and compressed inside the drum, they can develop an unpleasant damp or musty smell.

Once the cycle finishes:

1. Remove towels promptly.
2. Shake each towel.
3. Spread them out.
4. Begin drying them as soon as possible.

Laundrywala has a separate guide covering this specific problem. Read how to remove bad smell from towels after washing if your towels continue to smell even after being washed. The existing article identifies dampness, detergent residue, poor rinsing and incomplete drying as common contributors to towel odour.

10. Shake Towels Before Drying

Give each towel a gentle shake after removing it from the washing machine.

This can help loosen compressed fibres and unfold any sections that became twisted during the wash.

It also improves airflow when towels are hung to dry.

11. Dry Towels Completely

Proper drying is essential when learning how to wash towels properly.

Even a perfectly washed towel can develop a musty smell if it is folded while still damp.

If air-drying towels:

• Spread them completely.
• Leave enough space between towels.
• Choose a well-ventilated location.
• Avoid folding towels over several thick layers.
• Make sure thick sections dry completely.

If using a tumble dryer:

Follow the care-label instructions and avoid unnecessary overdrying.

You can also read Laundrywala's guide on how to dry clothes properly without damaging them for broader drying-care tips.

How Often Should You Wash Bath Towels?

How often towels need washing depends on usage, humidity and whether they dry fully between uses.

The American Cleaning Institute recommends hanging bath towels to dry between uses and washing them after around 3–5 normal uses.

You may need to wash towels sooner when they:

• Remain damp for long periods
• Develop an unpleasant smell
• Are visibly dirty
• Are used for workouts
• Are shared
• Are exposed to very humid conditions

Hand towels and gym towels may also require more frequent washing because of how they are used.

Should You Wash New Towels Before Using Them?

Yes, washing new towels before first use is generally sensible.

New towels can contain:

• Loose fibres
• Manufacturing residue
• Excess dye
• Finishing treatments

Washing also lets you check whether strongly coloured towels release dye before you mix them with other laundry.

Whirlpool similarly recommends washing new towels before their first use.

How to Wash White Towels

White towels often show dullness and stains more quickly than coloured towels.

For white towels:

• Wash them separately from coloured items.
• Check the care label.
• Pre-treat stains before washing.
• Use the recommended detergent amount.
• Do not overload the washer.
• Dry them completely.

Do not automatically use chlorine bleach on every white towel. Decorative trims, embroidery and certain fabrics may not tolerate it.

Always check the care label first.

How to Wash Coloured Towels

Coloured towels require extra attention to prevent fading and colour transfer.

Follow these steps:

• Separate dark colours from whites.
• Wash new dark towels separately initially.
• Follow the recommended water temperature.
• Use detergent suitable for coloured laundry.
• Avoid unnecessarily harsh bleaching products.
• Avoid prolonged high heat if the label advises against it.

Proper sorting is particularly important for bright red, navy, black and other strongly dyed towels.

How to Wash Microfiber Towels

Microfiber towels need different care from ordinary cotton bath towels.

The Whirlpool microfiber towel guide recommends washing microfiber separately from lint-producing natural fabrics and avoiding fabric softener because coatings can interfere with the fibres' cleaning performance.

Therefore, do not automatically use the exact same wash routine for microfiber cleaning cloths and cotton bath towels.

Why Do Towels Become Hard After Washing?

Several factors can make towels feel stiff.

Common causes include:

• Too much detergent
• Detergent residue
• Excess fabric softener buildup
• Overloading the machine
• Inadequate rinsing
• Hard-water mineral buildup
• Overdrying
• Age and fibre wear

Whirlpool specifically notes that excessive detergent can leave buildup that contributes to stiff towels.

If your towels suddenly become rough, start by checking detergent dosage and washing-machine load size.

How to Keep Towels Soft and Absorbent

The best way to keep towels soft is to prevent buildup rather than continuously adding more laundry products.

Follow these habits:

• Measure detergent correctly.
• Avoid overloading the washer.
• Limit excessive fabric softener.
• Shake towels before drying.
• Dry them completely.
• Avoid unnecessarily excessive dryer heat.
• Follow the care label.
• Store towels only when fully dry.

Softness and absorbency should be maintained together. A towel that feels artificially soft but cannot absorb water effectively is not performing properly.

Can You Wash Towels and Bedsheets Together?

You can sometimes wash compatible items together, but separate loads are usually easier to manage.

Towels are heavy, thick and absorbent. Bedsheets are larger and move differently inside a washer.

Separating them can help you choose more suitable:

• Washing cycles
• Load sizes
• Detergent quantities
• Drying settings

For large quantities of towels, bedsheets and household laundry, explore Laundrywala's complete laundry and cleaning services. The company's services page lists laundry along with other fabric and household cleaning options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Washing Towels

Using Too Much Detergent

Excess detergent can remain trapped inside thick fibres.

Using Too Much Fabric Softener

A coating can develop on towel fibres and reduce absorbency.

Overloading the Washer

Towels need enough room for proper cleaning and rinsing.

Leaving Towels Wet Inside the Machine

Wet towels can develop musty odours when left sitting for too long.

Folding Damp Towels

Always ensure towels are completely dry before storage.

Mixing New Dark Towels With Whites

New towels may release excess dye.

Ignoring the Care Label

Cotton, microfiber, bamboo blends and decorative towels may require different handling.

When Should You Choose Professional Laundry Care?

Home washing works well for ordinary towel loads, but professional laundry services can be convenient when:

• Your household generates large amounts of laundry.
• Towels repeatedly develop odours.
• Drying space is limited.
• Humid or monsoon weather slows drying.
• You need regular bedsheet and towel cleaning.
• You manage a hostel, salon, spa, gym or other business.
• You do not have enough time for repeated washing and drying.

Laundrywala provides professional washing along with wash & fold options and household-item care.

For people who prefer collection from home, read Laundrywala's guide to laundry pickup and delivery service. The service allows customers to schedule collection, professional cleaning and return delivery.

Professional Towel & Laundry Care With Laundrywala

Knowing how to wash towels properly can help maintain everyday bath towels, but large or frequently used towel loads can take significant time to wash and dry.

Laundrywala offers laundry services that include wash & fold, wash & iron and household-laundry care, with doorstep pickup and delivery available in serviceable areas.