How to Wash Hotel Towels So They Last Longer
Quick answer: to make hotel towels last, wash new towels before first use, do not overload machines, use the right amount of detergent, go easy on chlorine bleach and fabric softener, and dry towels fully without over-drying them on high heat. Good laundry habits keep towels soft and absorbent and delay the cost of replacing them.
1. Wash new towels before they go into rooms
New towels can carry finishing agents from the mill that make them feel less absorbent at first. Wash them once before use. Absorbency usually improves after the first few washes.
2. Do not overload the washer
Towels need room to move so water and detergent can flush dirt out of the loops. An overloaded machine leaves towels dingy and can leave detergent residue behind. Follow your machine's rated load by dry weight.
3. Use the right amount of detergent
Too little detergent leaves soil in the fabric. Too much leaves residue that makes towels stiff and less absorbent. If you use a commercial laundry chemical supplier, ask them to check your dosing for terry towels.
4. Be careful with chlorine bleach
Chlorine bleach keeps white towels bright but weakens cotton fibers when overused. Use it only as needed and at the correct dose. Never use chlorine bleach on colored towels such as cabana stripe pool towels.
5. Skip heavy fabric softener
Fabric softener coats the cotton loops and reduces absorbency over time. Many hotels use little or none on towels. Correct detergent dosing and proper drying keep towels soft without it.
6. Dry fully, but do not over-dry
Towels put away damp can develop mildew and odors. Over-drying on high heat makes cotton brittle and harsh. Dry until just dry, then remove and fold promptly.
7. Treat stains early and retire worn towels
Makeup, self-tanner and shoe polish are common towel stains in hotels. Treat them before washing, and consider providing makeup remover cloths in rooms. Pull stained or frayed towels out of service and reuse them as cleaning rags so guests only see good linen.
8. Choose the right towel for your laundry
If you wash in high volume, an 86/14 cotton-polyester blend towel dries faster and stands up well to frequent laundering. If guest feel matters most, choose a heavier 100% cotton line such as Luxury Hotel or Core Hotel.
Restock with matching towels
Keep enough stock to stay at par while worn towels are retired. See how many towels a hotel needs, compare lines on our wholesale hotel towels page, or request a quote. Call +1 864-659-0017 or email info@poltexint.com.