New towels should always be washed before use. They're coated with factory finishes that reduce absorbency and may irritate skin.
Why Wash New Towels?
New towels have:
- Sizing agents from weaving
- Fabric softeners for shop appeal
- Chemical residues from dyeing
- Dust and particles from manufacturing/shipping
These coatings make towels feel nice in-store but reduce absorbency and can irritate skin.
Basic First Wash
What You Need
- Washing machine
- Normal laundry detergent
- White vinegar (optional but recommended)
Steps
- Remove all packaging and tags
- Separate by colour
- New towels may bleed dye
- Wash darks separately from lights
- Consider using colour catchers
- Wash on warm (40°C)
- Hot enough to remove finishes
- Not so hot it sets any stains
- Use half the normal detergent
- Factory finishes create extra suds
- Too much detergent leaves residue
- Add vinegar (optional)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar in rinse cycle
- Helps remove finishes
- Sets colours
- Extra rinse cycle
- Ensures all residue removed
- Especially important for sensitive skin
- Dry completely
- Tumble dry if possible
- Ensures no damp storage
For Maximum Absorbency
Some people wash new towels 2-3 times before use:
- First wash removes most finish
- Subsequent washes improve absorbency
- Full absorbency may take several washes
For Coloured Towels
Extra precautions for first wash:
- Wash separately (not with other items)
- Cold or warm water (preserves colour)
- Add 1 cup white vinegar (sets dye)
- Wash with similar colours only
For Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin:
- Double rinse cycle
- Use fragrance-free detergent
- Consider extra pre-soak
- Choose OEKO-TEX certified towels
What Not to Do
- Don't use fabric softener (ever, on towels)
- Don't wash with lint-attracting clothes
- Don't skip the first wash
After First Wash
Your towels should be:
- More absorbent
- Softer (naturally)
- Free of chemical smell
- Ready for use
If towels still don't absorb well after first wash, repeat the process.