Bamboo towels are incredibly soft, opulent, and absorbent—they could likely dry a whole swimming pool. However, with great fluff comes great responsibility. Learn how to wash bamboo towels to prevent them from becoming scratchy rags overnight.
Laundry is a serious business if you've ever destroyed a perfectly good set of towels in the washing machine (RIP to that pricey cotton set you purchased last year). Don't worry, though; washing bamboo towels is simple and only calls for a little more attention. And when we say ‘extra care’, we mean not treating them like an old gym t-shirt.
To ensure that your bamboo towels remain as soft and luxurious as the day you purchased them, let's take a step-by-step look at the process.
Step 1: The Pre-Wash Ritual
You know that new towel smell? That’s not just the scent of luxury—it’s also a byproduct of the production process. Your bamboo towels should be washed before the first use.
And why?
- Factory residue is removed.
- The bamboo fibers are helped to ‘set’ so they won't fray as much later.
- It makes your towels more absorbent, so they don't merely push water about; they truly dry you off.
How to go about it:
- The first time; wash them separately.
- Use cold water; we'll talk more about temperature in a moment.
- For the initial wash, water alone will suffice; do not use detergent.
Step 2: Selecting Appropriate Wash Settings
Bamboo towels differ from ordinary towels. They will tell you if you wash them improperly, they get stiff, scratchy, or just fall apart.
The ideal machine settings for bamboo towels include:
- Water temperature: Never hot, either cold or warm!
- Spin speed: low to medium
- Cycle type: delicate or gentle
Over time, bamboo strands become weak and rough due to damage from hot water. Keep your towels at 30°C (86°F) or below if you want them to remain soft.
Step 3: Picking the Right Detergent
Not every detergent is made the same. Some will completely ruin your bamboo towels, yet they're good for ordinary clothing.
What to use:
- Plant-based detergents free of harsh chemicals
- Gentle, environmentally friendly liquid detergent
Things to avoid:
- Bleach: It will degrade absorbency and weaken fibers.
- Fabric softener: Sounds nice, but it coats the towels, making them less absorbent.
- Optical brighteners: These will fade colors over time.
To make your towels even softer without causing any damage, you may also add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Detergent buildup is removed and the fabric will be naturally softer.
Step 4: The Drying Conundrum: Machine vs. Air Dry
Drying bamboo towels correctly is often where many users go wrong, resulting in something resembling sandpaper being left behind.
Option 1: The Best Option: Air Dry
- Place them on a clothesline or drying rack.
- Steer clear of direct sunlight since it will weaken the fibers.
- Shake them out to fluff them up after drying.
Option 2: Machine Dry (If You Must)
- Use low heat—high heat will shrink and stiffen your towels.
- Remove them as soon as they’re dry to avoid over-drying.
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Toss in wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets to naturally fluff them up.
Step 5: Additional Care Advice for Bamboo Towels
Congratulations if you've made it this far! You are now recognized as an honorary bamboo towel care specialist. Here are some extra pointers to maintain their immaculate state:
1. Clean your towels separately
Disaster awaits if you combine them with other textiles. Bamboo towels will appear drab and faded due to the clinging lint from cotton towels. For optimal effects, keep them in a bamboo-only load.
2. Avoid Overloading the Machine
Stuffing your washing machine full might seem efficient, bamboo towels require room to spread out. Overloading might weaken the fibers and result in uneven washing.
3. Keep Them Correctly Stored
Steer clear of moist, humid areas (cough, putting them under a laundry pile). Keep them somewhere that is cool, dry, and has adequate ventilation.
4. Deal with Snags Properly
Although bamboo towels are long-lasting, problems might occur. DO NOT PULL LOOSE THREADS. Instead, clip them neatly with scissors.
Step 6: What Not to Do (A Quick Cheat Sheet)
Avoid washing bamboo towels in hot water as this may cause them to shrink and become less soft.
- Avoid using fabric softener or bleach as they destroy absorbency.
- Avoid combining with materials that produce lint; they will end up coated in fuzz.
- Unless you enjoy scratchy towels, avoid drying on high heat.
- Avoid vigorously wringing them out since this weakens the fibers.
FAQs about Bamboo Towel Care
Q: When should I wash bamboo towels?
A: Every three or four uses, or when they smell funky. Bamboo resists odor better than cotton so less frequent washings will do just fine.
Q: May I use scented detergent?
A: Yes, but only mild plant-based varieties. This is as strong chemicals or artificial fragrances could damage bamboo fibers.
Q: Why do my towels seem stiff?
A: Detergent accumulation! Restore their smoothness by washing them with ½ cup white vinegar.
Q: Can my bamboo towels be ironed?
A: Definitely not. In any case, they don't wrinkle much, so let them air dry.
Final Thoughts
By now you should possess all of the knowledge needed to correctly launder bamboo towels without ruining them. Simply follow these steps, and your towels should remain soft, fluffy and ultra absorbent for years.
But if you make mistakes (we all are human, after all), don't fret: A quick white vinegar rinse and low heat drying may often do the trick for common towel-washing mistakes.
Upgrade Your Towel Game with Luxeport
Are you looking to purchase premium, incredibly soft bamboo towels? We at Luxeport think your towels ought to match your opulent way of living.
We have:
- Premium bamboo fibers for ultimate softness
- Highly absorbent & naturally odor-resistant towels
- Eco-friendly & sustainably sourced materials
You can't go back after you've tried bamboo towels, so treat yourself to the ultimate in bath comfort.
