Washing New Towels: The Do’s And Don’ts

Imagine you have just bought new towels. Naturally, you want to start using them straight away. But it is worth being a little patient, because washing new towels first is definitely a good idea. It helps them absorb water better, among other benefits. But what should you keep in mind when washing towels for the first time? Here, we share the do’s and don’ts of washing new towels. Of course, we also pay attention to the most sustainable and eco-friendly choices. For example, air-dry your towels and use vinegar instead of fabric softener for soft, highly absorbent towels.

Why Wash New Towels First?

Let’s start with the basics. Should you wash new towels before using them? In our view, this is definitely a must. Washing new towels before use helps remove any dust and factory smells from the production process, packaging and transport. Don’t forget that many people have handled your towels, so a wash before first use is simply fresher. Washing new towels also makes them softer and more absorbent.

Tips For Washing Towels For The First Time

So, washing new towels before use is certainly a good idea. Do keep the following tips in mind. These apply not only to washing new towels, but also every time you wash them afterwards.

Wash your towels separately from clothing, so the fibres are not damaged by zips or buttons.
Sort your towels by colour, so you can enjoy their beautiful colours for as long as possible.
Use a mild detergent such as Green Soap and always check the care label. Yumeko’s cotton and linen towels are best washed at 40 degrees.
Ironing and tumble drying may make new towels feel softer, but the heat damages the fibres, making them less absorbent and causing them to wear out faster.
Only store towels once they are completely dry. If they are still damp when folded, they may develop a musty smell.

Washing New Towels With Vinegar

The key ingredient when washing new towels? Vinegar. This natural product has several benefits and is an excellent alternative to fabric softener. Fabric softener leaves a coating on towel fibres, making them less absorbent. It can also dull the colour of your towels.

Vinegar, on the other hand, is the right choice. It not only softens your (new) towels, but also removes grease and dissolves detergent residue. Simply add cleaning vinegar or natural vinegar to the fabric softener compartment instead of fabric softener. An added bonus: vinegar also helps preserve colour. In short, washing new towels and vinegar go hand in hand.

Sustainable Washing Tips

Whether you are washing old or new towels, you want to do so in the most sustainable way possible. We are happy to share tips for that too, because real impact is something we create together.

Washing towels at 40 degrees is not only good for cotton or linen fibres, but also for the environment. Choose a long, eco-friendly 40-degree wash programme for fresh towels. This temperature and duration allow your detergent to work effectively.
You can take this rule of thumb quite literally: if there is still room for a fist above your towels in the washing machine, it is filled just right. This prevents you from having to run multiple loads and improves cleaning through friction.
Let your towels air-dry. As mentioned earlier, tumble dryers are not great for the lifespan of your towels, nor for the environment. To still achieve the softness a dryer provides, you can use vinegar.
In addition to using vinegar, we recommend choosing an eco-friendly detergent. This has less impact on the environment and is better for your towels and your skin. Think of brands such as Marcel’s Green Soap, Ecover or Seepje.