Why you should always wash new towels before you use them
Experts say not to use your fluffy new towels until you've washed them - here's 5 reasons why.
Image credit: Shutterstock/Didecs
Experts say not to use your fluffy new towels until you've washed them - here's 5 reasons why.
Although the allure of a newly unpacked bathroom towel may be tempting, don’t be fooled by its soft and seductive feel.
Even if it seems clean, bright and ready to use, it needs its own wash and dry first to ensure it does its job properly and lasts as long as it should.
According to Emily and Johnathan Attwood, founders of towel brand Scooms, it’s not just a nice thing to do. In fact, it’s essential you wash your towels before using them for the first time.
Here's why its vital to wash your towels before you hang them in your bathroom
Some brands (not Scooms) use a finish on their towels, which gives them an extra sheen. These additives can include silicon, sodium hydroxide or other chemicals.
These additives can affect the absorbency, meaning they may not perform as well when you use them if they haven’t been washed first.
Your towels will have been woven in a factory before either being stored in a shop or packed and delivered to you.
A first wash will remove any hidden dust or particles that have collected in the fibres.
It’s normal to get a few stray threads or cotton fibres on new towels. Washing will remove them, and save you from thinking your towel isn’t performing as well as it could.
By washing your towels before use, you can improve the absorbency of the cotton.
The first wash will help the cotton fibres soak up and release water, improving the absorbency.
They may be a little flattened by their packaging so washing will help fluff the cotton fibres back up, so you have super plush towels from day one.
The experts at Christy agree, telling customers it’s really important to wash towels before their first use.
“New towels often contain excess lint and other fibres that can shed and cause irritation or discomfort,” says the company.
“By giving them a quick wash before using them, you can minimise the number of loose fibres – keeping your towels soft and ready to use.”
Chrissie Rucker, founder of quiet luxury brand The White Company, reminds us that we should avoid using fabric conditioner on towels.
Although it makes fabrics softer, it does this by coating the fibres, which in turn reduces absorbency.
Using too much fabric conditioner is a common mistake that can also lead to the longer-term issue of stiff towels
Avoiding fabric conditioner will also reduce the amount of build-up in the dispenser drawer, too, meaning you won't need to need to clean your washing machine as often.
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