In what temperature should you wash towels?


There are many different towels, and here we will explain how they should be washed.
Most towels should be washed at a temperature of at least 60°C. This helps to kill bacteria and remove dirt effectively. If you want to be extra careful, especially if the towels are used frequently or if someone in the household has been sick, you can consider washing them at 90°C, if the material allows it. Always check the washing instructions on the towels to avoid damaging the fabric.

To wash terry towels in the best way and preserve their softness and absorbency, follow these steps:

  1. Sort the towels: Terry towels can shed fibers, especially when they are new. To prevent lint from sticking to other clothes, you can wash them separately the first time you wash them to prevent them from staining or shedding fibers.

  2. Washing temperature: Wash terry towels at 60°C to effectively remove dirt and bacteria. If the towels are very dirty or used frequently, you can wash them at 90°C, if the washing instructions allow it.

  3. Use the right detergent: Choose a mild detergent without bleach to preserve the towel's color and material. All-purpose detergent from Västerbottenssåpa is a great choice. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can reduce the towels' absorbency by leaving a residue on the fibers.

  4. Fill the machine properly: Do not overload the washing machine, as the towels need space to be washed and rinsed properly.

  5. Drying: To keep the terry towels soft, dry them in the tumble dryer on low to medium heat. If you prefer to air-dry the towels, shake them well before and after drying to fluff up the fibers.

  6. Avoid excessive washing: Do not wash terry towels more frequently than necessary, as frequent washing can wear down the material and shorten the towels' lifespan.


Hamam towels, also known as pestemal or Turkish towels, are thin, lightweight, and often made from cotton or bamboo. They require slightly different care than regular terry towels to maintain their softness and durability. Here are some tips for washing hamam towels:

  1. Prepare before the first wash: Before using your hamam towel for the first time, it is recommended to soak it in cold water for a few hours, or overnight. This helps to improve the towel's absorbency and reduces the risk of shrinkage.

  2. Sort the towels: Wash hamam towels separately from clothes and other textiles when they are new to avoid color transfer.

  3. Washing temperature: Wash hamam towels in cold or lukewarm water, maximum 40°C. This helps preserve the towel's color and softness. Higher temperatures may cause shrinkage and wear on the fibers.

  4. Use the right detergent: Use a mild, liquid detergent without bleach or harsh chemicals to preserve the towel's quality. All-purpose detergent from Västerbottenssåpa is a great choice. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can make the towel less absorbent.

  5. Avoid the tumble dryer: Air-dry the towel if possible. Hang it flat or on a clothesline to avoid stretching it out or losing its shape. If you do use a tumble dryer, use low heat and take the towel out while it is still slightly damp to avoid shrinkage.

  6. Avoid excessive washing: Only wash hamam towels when absolutely necessary, as frequent washing can wear down the thin fibers and reduce their lifespan.

Washing a sports towel, which is often made from microfiber or quick-drying material, requires a bit of special care to preserve its properties. Here are step-by-step instructions:

  1. Wash after each use: Sports towels should be washed after every use to remove sweat, bacteria, and odors that can build up.

  2. Sort the towels: Wash sports towels separately from regular clothes and towels, especially if they are very dirty or strongly scented.

  3. Washing temperature: Wash sports towels in cold or lukewarm water, maximum 30-40°C. Higher temperatures can damage the microfiber structure and reduce its effectiveness.

  4. Use the right detergent: Choose a mild, liquid detergent, preferably All-purpose detergent. Avoid using detergents containing bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage the microfiber and reduce the towel's absorbency and quick-drying ability.

  5. Avoid fabric softeners: Fabric softeners can clog the microfibers and reduce the towel's ability to absorb moisture. If you want a softer towel, add a small amount of white vinegar to the rinse compartment instead.

  6. Drying: Let the sports towel air-dry hanging to preserve its shape and properties. If you use a tumble dryer, select a low heat setting and remove the towel as soon as it is dry to avoid damaging the microfibers.

  7. Avoid ironing: Microfiber towels do not need to be ironed, and the heat from an iron can damage the fibers and degrade the towel's functionality.

By following these steps, your sports towel will stay fresh, absorbent, and effective for a long time.

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Questions and answers:


1. Should terry towels be tumble-dried?
Answer: Yes, feel free to do so to maintain the towel's quality and absorbency.

2. Can you wash a hamam towel the same way as a terry towel?
Answer: No, the guide above explains how to wash a pestemal step by step.

3. How do you wash a sports towel?
Answer: Wash at 40°C and without fabric softeners.



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