How to Wash Towels

By Zach Pozniak, VP of Operations at Jeeves of Belgravia New York and fourth-generation dry cleaner · @jeeves_ny

How do I wash towels so they come out clean and fluffy?

The best way to wash towels is to treat stains first, wash with a strong detergent, and avoid anything that leaves residue. For white towels, use hot water and oxygen bleach when needed; for all towels, skip fabric softener because it coats the fibers and makes them less absorbent.

What is the best way to wash towels?

Start by checking the care label, then pretreat any visible stains with a stain remover and let it sit for at least an hour. Wash towels in the warmest water the label allows, using a quality detergent plus a booster such as powdered oxygen bleach if you want extra cleaning and whitening power.

1. Pretreat stains. Rub stain remover into any spots and let it sit before washing.
2. Choose the right water temperature. Use the hottest safe setting for sanitizing and deep cleaning, especially on white towels.
3. Add a booster. Powdered oxygen bleach can help lift soil and brighten whites.
4. Use a good detergent. A higher-performing detergent does more of the heavy lifting.
5. Use a rinse aid carefully. A rinse product can help remove residue, but avoid anything that leaves towels coated.

How do I get white towels bright again?

If your white towels look dull or yellowed, frequent washing matters more than occasional rescue treatments. Body oils oxidize over time, so washing regularly helps prevent that buildup in the first place.

For a deeper reset, soak towels overnight in hot water with powdered oxygen bleach, then wash them on a high-temperature cycle. If you want the whites to pop even more, a bluing product can help brighten the appearance of the fabric.

Why do my towels feel sticky or less absorbent?

The most common culprit is fabric softener. It leaves a waxy film on towel fibers, which makes them repel water instead of soaking it up. If your towels have started pushing water around instead of absorbing it, stop using softener and wash them a few times with a strong detergent and a residue-removing rinse.

How do I get rid of funky towel smells?

Funky towel odors usually come from bacteria trapped in the fibers. Use an enzyme treatment on the smelly areas, let it sit, then wash with a detergent that can handle odor and add a little baking soda if needed. For persistent mildew or body odor, a sanitizing wash or a hot overnight soak can make a big difference.

What should I avoid when washing towels?

• Fabric softener: It reduces absorbency.
• Too much residue: Heavy softeners and overloading can leave towels stiff or greasy.
• Ignoring odors: If towels smell bad after washing, the problem is usually bacteria or buildup, not just perfume.

When should I use a professional cleaner?

If your towels have set-in discoloration, persistent odor, or delicate trims and embellishments, professional cleaning can help. It is also worth getting help if you have already tried hot washing and oxygen bleach and the towels still look dingy or smell off.