Towel care: washing, drying and ironing

«Rukoter», «utirach», «pattern», «red» and many other interesting words. So called in Russia in ancient times the first towels. They then were large patches of bleached linen, which women brought to men, along with a jug of fresh water, meeting them from a distant road or from a battlefield. And it was by the towel brought up that they judged which of the girls was the hostess. A lot of time has flown by since then. For a long time girls do not weave, do not sew and do not embroider a dowry for themselves, preferring to buy everything they need in stores. Severe morals were somewhat softened by civilization, although the importance of the towel in the house did not diminish from these changes. Exactly the same as about housekeeping, women continue to be judged by the appearance of linen hung in the yard, or on the balcony. So what do you need to know in order to be known as an excellent hostess and the beauty and softness of home towels really get enough in full? Satisfy yourself, give the joy of textile tenderness to your loved ones, and surprise the mouths? Let’s try to sort out the secrets for caring for homemade terry towels on the shelves. And above all, we will be guided by the composition of the product and its purpose. So,

The secrets of caring for a cotton towel or how to wash a towel

Cotton — the most popular material among home textile manufacturers. Textile workers love it for a number of advantages that cotton “rewards” for their products. First of all, for the excellent ability to absorb moisture, versatility, naturalness and relatively low cost of primary material in the purchase. Cotton is used to make both daily hygiene items (bath towels, towels for the face, legs, hands, intimate areas, massage), and kitchen textiles.

Important properties of cotton

Cotton easily tolerates a large number of washes (more than 50). And, regardless of whether it will be washed in the car, or by hand. The range of permissible temperatures is also quite wide. Such a product is resistant to wear and friction. True, cotton also has disadvantages associated with care. After washing, towels dry for a relatively long time, can be deformed during drying and are very wrinkled.

Features of cotton towel care: washing, drying and ironing

one. Before washing, it is important to separate cotton home textiles into white and colored. White towels can be washed at maximum temperatures (up to 95 degrees) using a standard and familiar detergent. For colored towels, the upper limit of water heating is 60 degrees, and the powder or liquid is soft, without the addition of bleach.

2. It is important to dry cotton towels outdoors. This will avoid shrinkage and fill it with a fresh aroma. True, when drying it is worth avoiding the bright sun. Direct sunlight will turn your snow-white towels yellow or gray, and your colored ones dull.

3. Ironing cotton towels with a steam iron. If there is none on the farm, be sure to use a humidifier.
A special characteristic of cotton towels is the density. Depending on the density of the fabric and the method of twisting the loops, thin and dense terry towels, waffle and kitchen textiles are distinguished. The velor fabric loved by many is also made from cotton. Each variety of cotton textiles entails some nuances and secrets in the field of care.

Terry towel care secrets

100% cotton in the composition of a terry towel, or other textile hygiene item, will be a signal to you that immediately after purchase, the item must be washed. This is necessary to maintain softness and fluffiness, the natural elasticity of the towel and extend its service life. In the future, terry towels can be washed both by hand and in the machine. Although there are also several “taboos” for machine washing. Terry towels absorb moisture very well, so never wash them using the water saving mode. Plus, they cannot be squeezed out at high speeds (maximum limit is 800). And further. To avoid stretching the loops, do not fill the drum of the machine more than 2/3. A detergent ideal for terry cloth is delicate, with the addition of silicone (this substance will help not only preserve, but also increase the ability of the fabric to absorb water several times).

There is also a folk remedy for the care of terry. In the last rinse, add a few tablespoons of ordinary kitchen salt. Hold in this solution for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse in clean running cold water. The salt will help the terrycloth fluff up and become soft to the touch.

Ironing terry towels is not recommended.. But if there really is such a need (for example, a towel for a newborn, for sanitation purposes), heat the iron to 150 degrees and turn on the steam humidifier.

Secrets of caring for a waffle towel or how to wash a kitchen towel

waffle towels universal, but most often they are used by housewives in kitchens. They perfectly absorb water and grease, are easy to wash, dry very quickly and are unassuming to iron. Thanks to the special, cross, «waffle» weaving of cotton threads, these towels do not wear out for a long time and retain their original appearance.

Wash waffle towels in water at 40 degrees by hand, or in a machine. At the same time, any detergent is suitable for them. What’s more, white waffle towels can be bleached and chemically treated. Such “heavy artillery” cannot be used for non-ferrous products. You can twist waffle towels at the highest speed. And they are also resistant to drying (natural and using technical devices).

Secrets of caring for a velor towel

Velours — this is the same cotton fabric, only created in a special way. After making the terry cloth, the loops are sheared, and a smooth and delicate velor is obtained. This fabric has a fairly dense base (which means that it is resistant to deformation and stretching), but at the same time it is silky and soft (which itself implies delicacy in care).

Important! Velor towels should not be pre-soaked.. Wash only by hand, in warm water (30-40 degrees). It is forbidden to use any bleach and other aggressive detergent (especially when washing colored velor). Liquid gel for colored laundry, or powder for delicate fabrics, works best.

Dry velor towels better outdoors, at the same time avoiding direct sunlight (the recommendation is universal for cotton products). Iron — at medium temperature and under steam (this will help to lift the ingrown velor, crushed during washing).

And one more important point for all types of cotton products. Never leave towels to dry in the bathroom after use. Too humid bathroom air not only does not contribute to the rapid drying of the towel, but also provokes the reproduction of pathogenic microbes in it. From this — an unpleasant smell of towels and all kinds of allergic skin reactions.

By the way, if you suffer from allergies, or are prone to frequent dermatitis, it is better for you to give up cotton towels and purchase a bath attribute made of bamboo fiber. Bamboo has a number of advantages in this regard.

Bamboo towel care tips

Bamboo — super popular modern material with unique properties. It is a natural antiseptic that can suppress pathogenic microflora. Moreover, this feature of bamboo fiber is preserved even after countless washes! A bamboo towel is ideal for allergy sufferers, and also for babies, with very delicate, sensitive skin and incompletely formed immunity. In addition, unlike cotton towels, bamboo not only perfectly absorbs moisture, but also dries with lightning speed. Bamboo fabric is used for sewing bath towels, small massage and shower towels, sauna sheets.

Important properties of bamboo

Specialists who have studied bamboo fiber products in laboratory conditions assure that they freely (without losing their original appearance, amazing softness, silkiness and shape) can withstand about 500 washes! In addition, even stubborn dirt can be easily removed from bamboo fabric. And thanks to the amazing breathability, a bamboo towel retains a fresh scent for a long time.

Features of caring for a bamboo towel

one. Bamboo towels are machine washable. However, the ideal option for washing a bamboo towel is by hand, using ordinary laundry soap, or a delicate laundry detergent without the addition of chlorine. The water temperature is not more than 30-40 degrees. In addition, fabric softeners should not be used when washing bamboo towels. Bamboo fabric already has a natural silkiness and softness. The use of a softener can have the opposite effect and contribute to the rapid wear of things.

2. Bamboo towels, like cotton ones, are better dry outside. They do not tolerate tumble drying and ironing with steam. From this, the bamboo fabric fades, loses its luster and softness, the threads are pulled out by ugly loops and rings.

3. There is one more nuance that is not very pleasant for the consumer. After washing, a bamboo towel can “sparkle” and stick to the body. The reason is the ability of bamboo to release static energy. You can get rid of this afterword of washing, adding to the last rinse 0.5 tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice.

In addition to bamboo and cotton, towels are also made from linen and microfiber. Linen is an ideal material for kitchen and massage towels, bath and sauna textiles. Microfiber is also used to make towels. Most of all, she is loved by athletes and those who have to spend a significant part of their lives on the road.

Linen towel care tips

Linen towels they are resistant to dirt, do not flake, in addition, they perfectly absorb water and dry quickly. A distinctive feature, characteristic only of things made of linen, is incredible strength.

Features of caring for a linen towel:

1. Unpretentious in washing. White flax can even (if necessary) be boiled. Dyed, or with lace, satin trim can be washed at a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees.

2. Air dry preferably. Under the influence of the natural environment, linen towels straighten out after washing and require almost no ironing. In addition, they acquire a pleasant aroma. Although, if it is not possible to give the linen to the wind and the sun, you can also dry the towel in the dryer using the “ventilation” mode without heating.

3. You can iron linen towels with a well-heated iron.. Better — slightly damp.

Care tips for microfiber towels

The advantage of this material is its lightness and elasticity. It is for this that athletes and «business travelers» adore microfiber. A microfiber towel takes up little space in a travel bag and at the same time fulfills its “duties”: it absorbs moisture well and dries well.

Features of microfiber towel care:

one. Towels can be washed both by hand and in the machine. In this case, use any detergent (even if there is nothing else at hand, dishwashing detergent). True, microfiber towels require more thorough rinsing. If you wash in a machine, replace the standard three to five rinse cycles.

2. And one more nuance. Microfiber towels are a must wash separately from other materials. In addition, microfiber does not tolerate any bleaches, fabric softeners and conditioners. They, instead of improving the properties of the fabric, clog its pores, making it impossible to “breathe”.

3. Dry microfiber towels outdoors only. The dryer for this material is deadly. This item does not need ironing.

Equip your life, fill it with pleasant little things, delight your loved ones with cute and very useful gifts! And … gain the fame of an ideal hostess! To the envy of everyone and to your own pleasure!