Beach towels are the trusty companions of sun-soaked days spent at the beach. As such, they deserve some tender care and love that will keep them fluffy, soft, and ready for more seaside adventures in years to come. Here’s how you can care for your beach towel so you can go on using them without any worries.
What should you do immediately after using your beach towel?
- As soon as you’re done drying off, rinse your towel with fresh water to remove any sand, salt, or other pieces of debris that can damage its fibres.
- Remove any excess water by giving your towel a good shake since this can help to reduce drying time as well as prevent the growth of mildew.
- Find an area with good ventilation and hang your towel to air-dry. However, make sure that you position it away from getting direct exposure to sunlight since UV rays can fade the bright colours of your favourite towel.
What’s the best way to wash beach towels?
- It may require a bit more effort from you, but it’s always a great idea to do another load and wash your towels separately from other laundry items. Putting them in together with clothes that have hooks or zippers can end up damaging the fibres if they snag on your beach towels.
- Use a mild detergent that can gently clean your towels. Anything harsher could end up stripping away the softness from your towels, and you certainly don’t want a gritty-feeling fabric rubbing against your skin.
- Though it may be very tempting to use fabric softener, this can turn out to be a bad idea in the long run because the chemicals can reduce the absorbency of your towels. A possible alternative is to use white vinegar since this can naturally soften fabrics. It also has the added benefits of being deodorising and disinfecting.
- Always wash your towels in hot water since this can be very effective in killing bacteria and removing any salt or sand that’s stuck to the fibres.
- Take note that you don’t overload your washing machine, though, since this can prevent your towels from getting a thorough cleansing.
What’s the best way to dry freshly washed beach towels?
- When you tumble dry your towels, use a low heat setting so you can avoid shrinking and damaging the fibres.
- Don’t leave your towels in the dryer until they’re bone-dry since over-drying them can lead to reduced absorbency and stiffness. Remove the towels from the dryer while they’re still slightly damp and continue drying them out in an open area.
- Air-dry your towels as a finishing touch since this helps to restore their softness by fluffing up the fibres.
Following these simple care tips can help you make sure your beach towels stay their soft, fluffy best. Be sure to store them properly, too, by folding them neatly and putting them away in a dry, cool place like a drawer or a linen closet. Remember to take them out of storage from time to time and air them out so you can prevent mildew and musty odours from developing.
