Towel Care Guide: Tips & Ideas for Long-Lasting Freshness

Towels are everyday essentials that add function, freshness, and a touch of luxury to your routine. Whether you’ve just invested in plush cotton terry towels or lightweight linen styles, caring for them properly will help maintain their softness, absorbency, and appearance for years to come. Here's our complete towel care guide, with expert tips for cotton and linen towels.

General Towel Care Basics

No matter what material your towels are made from, a few simple habits can make a noticeable difference. Always wash towels before first use to remove any finishing treatments and open up the fibres for improved absorbency. Avoid fabric softeners, they may feel nice initially, but leave a coating that reduces absorbency over time. Towels also prefer a little breathing room in the machine, so avoid overloading your wash. Shake them out before drying to help fluff up the fibres and reduce stiffness.

Another key tip is to wash towels separately from clothes or linens. This prevents lint transfer and ensures your towels get the thorough rinse they need. Using half the recommended amount of detergent can also help, as towels retain residue, which can build up and affect texture and performance.

• Wash before first use – Removes any finishing agents and improves absorbency.

• Avoid fabric softeners – They leave a coating that reduces absorbency over time.

• Separate loads – Wash towels separately from clothing to reduce lint transfer and wear.

• Don’t overload the machine – Towels need space to rinse and spin properly.

• Shake before drying – Helps fluff fibres and reduce stiffness.
  

Caring for Cotton Terry Towels

Cotton terry towels, like those in our Royale and Royal Crescent collections, are beloved for their plushness and superior absorbency. Keep them soft and fresh by washing at 40°C using a gentle detergent. For everyday care, lower temperatures help preserve the fibres, while an occasional 60°C wash offers a deeper clean when needed.

Tumble drying on a medium or low heat is ideal for cotton towels. This helps restore fluffiness. Just be careful not to over-dry, which can weaken the fibres over time. If you prefer to air dry, give each towel a good shake beforehand, and again once they’re dry, to maintain their softness.

To freshen them up from time to time, add half a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle; this helps break down detergent buildup and keeps your towels feeling like new.

Washing Tips:

• Use warm water (40°C) with a gentle liquid detergent.

• Avoid bleach, as this can damage the fibres of the towel.

• Use half the usual amount of detergent - towels hold detergent residues, which can stiffen fibres.

Drying Tips:

• Tumble dry on low to medium heat for a fluffy finish.

• Avoid over-drying, which can damage fibres over time.

• If line drying, give towels a good shake before and after to keep them soft.

Extra Tips:

• Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle every few washes to break down detergent residue.

• Wash dark-coloured towels separately for the first few washes to prevent colour transfer.

Caring for Linen Towels

Linen towels are a wonderful alternative for those who prefer a lighter, more breathable towel, thanks to their refined texture and quick-drying properties.

Linen towels are naturally antibacterial, making them perfect for everyday use with minimal effort. Washing at 30–40°C is ideal, as lower temperatures help preserve the strength and texture of the natural flax fibres while still providing a fresh, thorough clean. Over time, linen becomes even softer and more absorbent. Linen towels can be safely washed at higher temperatures, up to 60–90°C, for a deeper clean without compromising their integrity.

Air drying is best for linen. Hang towels flat or draped across a rail to help retain their shape and prevent wrinkling. If you do choose to tumble dry, use a low heat setting and remove them while still slightly damp. If you prefer a crisper look, iron on a medium heat while the towel is still damp.

Washing Tips:

• Wash at 30–40°C with a mild detergent.

• Avoid optical brighteners and heavy-duty detergents.
  

Drying Tips:

• Air drying is best for linen towels. Hang them flat or on a line to retain shape.

• Use low heat when tumble drying and remove while slightly damp to avoid over-drying.

Extra Tips:

• Avoid wringing linen towels; gently press out excess water.

• For a crisp look, iron while damp using medium heat.

Keeping Towels Fresh Between Washes

Even with proper laundering, there are ways to keep your towels fresher for longer between washes. Always hang them to dry fully after use, ideally on a wide rail or hook with plenty of airflow around them. Avoid folding them up or hanging them in cramped spaces, as this can trap moisture and lead to that musty "damp towel" smell.

Rotate towels throughout the week so each set has time to air out fully between uses. For an occasional refresh, sprinkle a little baking soda into your wash cycle to neutralise odours and restore softness.

• Rotate regularly – Don’t use the same towel every day. Let towels air out fully between uses.

• Hang properly – Use wide towel bars or hooks spaced apart to allow towels to dry.

• Freshen with baking soda – Add ½ cup to your wash every few weeks to neutralise odours.

• Keep your bathroom ventilated – A well-aired space prevents mildew and that “damp towel smell.”

Invest in Quality for Easier Care

High-quality towels, like our cotton terry Royale and Royal Crescent collections, or our naturally beautiful Irish Linen and Dune waffle styles, are built to last when cared for properly. Taking the time to maintain them ensures they remain soft, absorbent, and a pleasure to use every day.

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