The Right Way to Wash Towels (Most People Do This Wrong)

When it comes to laundry, towels seem simple—throw them in, add detergent, press start. But if your towels feel stiff, smell less-than-fresh, or don’t absorb like they used to, something’s off. There is definitely a right way to wash towels!

At Tubs & Tumblers, we see it all the time: customers bringing in towels that look clean but aren’t performing the way they should. The truth is, most people are making a few common mistakes that quietly ruin their towels over time.

The good news? Fixing your towel routine is easy—and once you do, you’ll notice the difference immediately.

Why Proper Towel Care Matters

Towels are designed to absorb moisture, but that also makes them magnets for:

• Body oils
• Dead skin cells
• Detergent residue
• Bacteria and mildew

If they’re not washed properly, towels don’t just lose softness—they become less hygienic.

At Tubs & Tumblers, we always emphasize this: a towel that smells clean isn’t always truly clean. Proper washing ensures both freshness and performance.

The Most Common Towel-Washing Mistakes

Before we talk about doing it right, let’s clear up what most people are doing wrong

1. Using Too Much Detergent

It’s a myth that more detergent equals cleaner laundry. In reality, excess detergent:

• Builds up in towel fibers
• Traps odors instead of removing them
• Reduces absorbency

Tubs & Tumblers Tip: Our high-efficiency machines are designed to clean thoroughly with the right amount of detergent—not extra. When in doubt, use less.

2. Overloading the Washer

Towels are bulky and absorb a lot of water. When the machine is overloaded:

• Towels don’t rinse properly
• Dirt and detergent get trapped
• Cleaning becomes uneven

Pro Insight from Tubs & Tumblers: Commercial-grade washers (like ours) give towels the space they need to move freely—something most home machines struggle with when overloaded.

3. Mixing Towels with Regular Laundry

Washing towels with clothing might seem efficient, but it causes:

• Lint transfer
• Reduced cleaning effectiveness
• Fiber damage over time

For best results, always wash towels separately.

4. Using Fabric Softener

This is one of the biggest mistakes.

Fabric softener coats towel fibers with a waxy layer, which:

• Reduces absorbency
• Locks in odors
• Makes towels feel artificially soft at first—but worse over time

Tubs & Tumblers Recommendation: Skip the softener entirely. Your towels will perform better without it.

5. Not Drying Towels Properly

Leaving towels damp—even for a short time—can lead to mildew and odors.

At Tubs & Tumblers: Our high-capacity dryers are designed to fully dry thick loads like towels, helping prevent that musty smell that often comes from under-drying at home.

The Right Way to Wash Towels (Step-by-Step)

Let’s walk through the correct process.

Step 1: Sort Your Towels

Separate by:

• Whites vs. colors
• Bath towels vs. kitchen towels

Kitchen towels carry grease and bacteria and should always be washed separately.

Step 2: Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Stick to:

• Manufacturer recommendations—or slightly less

If your towels feel stiff, you’re probably using too much.

Tubs & Tumblers Tip: Our machines are optimized for efficiency, so you’ll often need less detergent than you think when washing with us.

Step 3: Choose the Right Water Temperature

• Hot water: Best for whites and heavily used towels
• Warm water: Ideal for colors
• Cold water: Use only when necessary

Hot water helps remove oils and bacteria more effectively

Step 4: Add Vinegar Instead of Softener

Add:

• ½ cup white vinegar during the rinse cycle

This helps:

• Remove buildup
• Eliminate odors
• Naturally soften fibers

Step 5: Give Towels Room to Move

Fill your washer only about 2/3 full.

Why it matters: Towels need space to agitate properly—and this is where using larger machines at Tubs & Tumblers can make a big difference.

Step 6: Dry Thoroughly

• Shake towels before drying
• Use medium to high heat
• Avoid over-drying

Tubs & Tumblers Advantage: Our commercial dryers dry faster and more evenly, helping towels stay fluffy and fresh without excessive heat exposure.

How Often Should You Wash Towels?

Here’s a simple guideline:

• Bath towels: Every 3–4 uses
• Hand towels: Every 2–3 days
• Washcloths: After each use
• Kitchen towels: Daily

If you’re unsure—wash them. Towels are high-use items and need regular cleaning.

How to Restore Towels That Feel Stiff or Smell

If your towels aren’t feeling right, don’t toss them—restore them.

Deep Cleaning Method

1. Wash with hot water + 1 cup white vinegar (no detergent)
2. Wash again with ½ cup baking soda (no detergent)
3. Dry completely

This removes buildup and resets the fibers.

Tubs & Tumblers Tip: Using high-capacity machines for this process helps thoroughly flush out residue, making the results even more noticeable.

Keeping Towels Soft and Fluffy Long-Term

Skip the Chemicals

Avoid:

• Fabric softener
• Dryer sheets (they can leave residue too)

Use Dryer Balls

Dryer balls help:

• Improve airflow
• Reduce drying time
• Keep towels naturally soft

Don’t Overdry

Too much heat damages fibers. Stick to efficient drying cycles.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Towels

Even with perfect care, towels don’t last forever.

Look for:

• Persistent odor
• Reduced absorbency
• Worn or thinning fabric

Most towels last about 2–3 years with regular use.

Why Where You Wash Matters

Here’s something many people overlook: your washing environment matters just as much as your method.

At Tubs & Tumblers, we provide:

• High-capacity washers that clean more effectively
• Powerful dryers that fully dry thick towels
• Equipment designed to reduce residue buildup

That means your towels don’t just get clean—they get properly clean.

Whether you’re washing a week’s worth of household laundry or just refreshing your towels, using the right equipment can make a noticeable difference in both cleanliness and longevity.

Final Thoughts

Most towel problems—stiffness, odors, poor absorbency—come down to a few simple mistakes:

• Too much detergent
• Overloading the washer
• Using fabric softener
• Improper drying

Fix those, and your towels will feel brand new again.

And if you want the best possible results? Pair the right technique with the right machines.

At Tubs & Tumblers, we’re here to make laundry easier, more effective, and a whole lot fresher—one load at a time.