New towels can be a delight to use, offering unmatched softness and absorbency. However, they often come with excess lint and require proper care to enhance their performance. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key steps to wash new towels, ensuring they become highly absorbent, fluffy, and free from lint. Discover the best practices for washing, removing lint, and maintaining the softness and longevity of your new towels.
Properly washing new towels is essential to maximise their absorbency, eliminate lint, and maintain their softness. This guide will provide a step-by-step approach to help you wash new towels effectively. We will cover important aspects such as removing lint, washing frequency, water temperature, and techniques to keep your towels soft and fluffy.
Do new towels need to be washed before use?
Yes, absolutely! New towels should always be washed before their first use. Washing new towels before their initial use is crucial for several reasons:
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Remove excess lint:
New towels tend to shed lint, which can be frustrating and affect their performance. Washing helps eliminate excess lint and prevents it from transferring onto your skin or clothes. -
Enhance absorbency:
Washing new towels improves their ability to absorb moisture, making them more effective in drying your body or hands. -
Hygiene and cleanliness:
New towels might contain residual chemicals or impurities from the manufacturing process. Washing them ensures they are clean and safe for use. -
Soften and fluff up:
Washing new towels makes them softer and fluffier, enhancing their overall comfort.
How to wash new towels for softness and absorbency
Discover the step-by-step process to wash new towels properly.
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Sorting:
Before washing your new towels, sort them according to colour. Separating light-coloured towels from dark-coloured ones will prevent colour bleeding and maintain the vibrancy of your towels. If you have towels that are heavily dyed or printed, consider washing them separately for the first few washes to prevent colour transfer.
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Pre-washing:
Start by giving your new towels a pre-wash. This step helps remove any coatings or finishes applied during manufacturing, which can affect their absorbency. Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and use a mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach at this stage, as they can leave residue on the towels or damage the fibres.
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Add Hapiso laundry pods
Place the sorted towels into the washing machine, taking care not to overload it. Overloading can result in inadequate cleaning and reduce the effectiveness of the laundry pods. For standard-sized loads, one Hapiso laundry pod should be sufficient. However, for larger loads or heavily soiled towels, you may use two pods. Always follow the instructions on the product packaging for the correct dosage.
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Washing Machine Settings
When it comes to washing towels, select a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. High agitation or rough spinning cycles can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the fabric, leading to fraying or loss of softness. Opt for cold or warm water, as hot water can weaken the fibres and fade the colours over time.
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Load Size
Avoid overcrowding the machine, as this can prevent proper agitation and rinsing. Wash your towels in smaller loads or alongside similar fabrics.
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Fabric Softener
Skip fabric softeners because your Hapiso laundry pods leave your towel feeling softer anyway.
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Drying
Once the wash cycle is complete, promptly remove the towels from the washing machine to prevent any musty odours or mildew growth. Shake each towel lightly to fluff them up and improve their overall softness. If you prefer a softer feel, you can tumble dry the towels on a low heat setting. Alternatively, you may choose to air-dry them for a more natural approach.
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Folding and Storing
After your towels are dry, take a moment to fold them neatly. This helps maintain their shape and makes them easy to store. Store your freshly washed towels in a clean, dry cupboard or linen closet, away from direct sunlight, to preserve their vibrant colours and prevent any potential fading.
How to stop fluff coming off new towels
New towels may shed lint or fluff during the first few washes. To minimize this, follow these steps:
- Use a lint trap: Empty your dryer's lint trap before and after drying towels to prevent lint buildup.
- Wash separately: During the first few washes, wash your new towels separately to reduce lint transfer to other fabrics.
- Shake them out: As mentioned earlier, shake your towels before placing them in the dryer to remove excess lint.
Conclusion:
Properly washing new towels is essential to ensure their absorbency, remove lint, and maintain their softness and longevity. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, you can transform your new towels into luxurious and highly functional additions to your bathroom. Remember to wash new towels before use, select the appropriate water temperature, and utilise additional tips for optimal towel care. With these practices, you can enjoy the ultimate drying experience and prolong the lifespan of your new towels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often should you buy new towels?
A. The frequency of purchasing new towels depends on various factors, such as usage, quality, and maintenance. On average, it is recommended to replace bath towels every 1-3 years, depending on their condition. Look for signs of wear, thinning fabric, or decreased absorbency.
Q. Should you wash new towels in hot or cold water?
A. The best temperature to wash towels can make a difference in their softness and absorbency. For the first few washes, warm water is recommended to remove any residual chemicals and to aid in the initial softening process. However, once your towels have been washed a few times, you can switch to cold water, which can help preserve their colour and prevent shrinkage.
Q. How many times should you wash new towels before use?
A. To maximize softness and absorbency, it's a good idea to wash new towels a few times before using them. Three to four washes should be sufficient to remove any excess lint or coatings. After these initial washes, your towels should be in their best condition.