10 towel washing mistakes almost everyone makes – and how to avoid them
· Mika Obermaier
Soft, fluffy towels are a part of everyday life that we often underestimate.
But if you care for your towels incorrectly, you quickly lose precisely the feeling they are meant to convey: freshness, softness, and well-being.
We show you the 10 most common mistakes when washing towels – and how you can easily avoid them.
1. Too much detergent
A common misconception: more detergent means cleaner laundry.
In fact, with overdosing, detergent remains in the fibers – towels become hard and lose their absorbency.
👉 Tip: Half the dosage is usually completely sufficient.
2. The wrong temperature
Not every towel needs 60 °C.
White cotton towels can be washed hot, colored and delicate fabrics like bamboo or viscose stay beautiful longer at 40 °C.
👉 This preserves color and structure.
3. Using fabric softener
As tempting as it sounds – fabric softener is the enemy of fluffy towels.
It leaves a film over the fibers that makes them feel soft, but blocks absorbency.
👉 Better: A dash of white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment – natural, hygienic, and descaling.
4. Washing machine too full
If the drum is overfilled, towels are not rinsed properly.
👉 Rule: A hand's breadth of space should always remain – this allows the fibers room to move.
5. Mixing towels with other laundry
Clothes with zippers or synthetic fibers can damage the delicate loops.
👉 It's best to wash towels separately – this protects their structure and color.
6. Incorrect drying
A dryer makes towels wonderfully soft – but programs that are too hot destroy the fibers.
👉 Easy-care or gentle cycles are ideal. If you air dry, avoid direct sunlight.
7. Not using home remedies
Baking soda or vinegar are little miracle workers for fresh, soft towels.
A tablespoon of baking soda in the main wash cycle neutralizes odors and limescale – completely chemical-free.
8. Using new towels unwashed
New towels are often treated with finishes that make them less absorbent.
👉 Wash them two to three times before first use to remove residues and open the fibers.
9. Incorrect storage
Moisture is the greatest enemy of well-maintained towels.
👉 Always put towels away completely dry – and ventilate the cupboard regularly.
10. Renewing too infrequently
Even the best towel loses its structure after years.
👉 An exchange is worthwhile at the latest after two to three years – for hygiene, freshness, and well-being.
Conclusion: Small care, big difference
Those who care for towels correctly are rewarded with softness, freshness, and longevity.
And with high-quality materials – such as finest cotton – the feeling after showering is incomparable.
Obermaier's Tip: Our towels are made from particularly absorbent cotton terry – for lasting softness and quality you can feel.
