The short answer: you can, but you shouldn't for most towels.
Why Not Iron Towels?
Flattens Pile
Ironing compresses the loops that make terry towels absorbent. Flat pile = less absorbency.
Unnecessary
Towels don't need to be wrinkle-free. Minor wrinkles disappear when:
- Hung to dry
- Used
- Stored
Time Consuming
Ironing towels is a lot of effort for no functional benefit.
Can Damage
High heat + cotton = potential scorch marks or yellowing.
When Ironing Might Be Appropriate
Flat-Woven Towels
Linen tea towels, peshtemals, and other flat-weave items can be ironed:
- No pile to flatten
- Creates crisp appearance
- Traditional for linen
Guest/Display Towels
Decorative towels meant for display rather than use can be pressed:
- Creates pristine appearance
- For formal guest bathrooms
- Treat as decorative, not functional
Linen Towels
Linen is traditionally ironed:
- Removes wrinkles
- Creates smooth finish
- Part of linen care tradition
Instead of Ironing
For wrinkle-free towels without ironing:
- Tumble dry (removes wrinkles naturally)
- Remove promptly from dryer
- Fold immediately
- Shake before hanging to dry
If You Must Iron
If ironing flat-woven towels:
- Medium heat
- Steam helps
- Iron while slightly damp
- Don't iron terry cloth