I used to wonder why towels get dirty, especially since they are used to clean bodies that have just been washed; unknown to me, dead skin cells stick to the towels when we use them on our bodies, even when clean.
If you’re like me and want a squeaky clean towel, these dead skin cells will stick to the towels and leave discoloration stains on them, so the best thing to do is to bleach your towels. Bleaching towels aren’t as easy as it sounds because if not done right, discoloration can occur.
How to Bleach Towels
So, if you’re a lover of clean towels, then bleach should be your laundry best friend. Bleaching your towels with chlorine bleach is one of the best ways to get rid of germs and keep them clean.
However, chlorine bleach gives off a strong odor because of the harsh chemicals, and you might not want to use them on your towels.
There are different alternative ways to bleach your towels regardless; here are three of them below:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular household ingredient that is versatile and can be easily gotten.
One way to effectively bleach your towel is to use baking soda. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use baking soda to bleach one towel below:
Step 1: Add a quarter cup of baking soda to some boiling water.
Step 2: Soak the towels in the solution, ensure that the water covers the towel, then leave for a couple of hours.
Step 3: Stir the towel every ten minutes to make sure that every part of the towel is evenly soaked.
Step 4: After soaking, put a towel in the washing machine and wash on your usual cycle; avoid overloading the machine.
Note: If the stains are still visible on the towels, wet a tablespoon of baking soda with lemon juice and rub it directly on the affected area.
Distilled White Vinegar
White vinegar is completely void of any harsh scent due to its chemicals; however, vinegar can damage your clothing if not properly diluted, so make sure to test the distilled vinegar on a small area of the garment first before proceeding.
It is also a perfect alternative to bleaching your towels and can disinfect infected areas. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use white vinegar to bleach your towel below:
Step 1: Mix 1/6 cup of white vinegar with half a bucket of hot water.
Step 2: Pre-soak the towels in the solution, making sure that the water covers the towel.
Step 3: Stir the towel for two minutes to ensure that every part of the towel is evenly soaked. Then leave overnight.
Step 4: After soaking, Wash regularly either by hand or with a washing machine.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is a mild form of oxygen bleach that is safe to use on all washable fabrics. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Hydrogen Peroxide to bleach your towel below:
Step 1: Add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to some boiling water to form a solution.
Step 2: Soak the towels in the solution, and stir the towel every ten minutes to make sure that every part of the towel is evenly soaked.
Step 3: Leave the towel overnight
Step 4: After soaking, put a towel in the washing machine and wash on your usual cycle; avoid overloading the machine.
Drying Guide for Bleached Towels
After washing your towels, drying them properly is the next essential thing to do. Here is a step-by-step guide to help dry your towels properly below:
- After use, air dry your towels by hanging them on hooks or racks.
- If you’d rather dry the towels using a machine, use low heat to preserve the softness of your towels.
- Hang and remove your towels from the hook with the towel loop with care. The loop can break if you apply too much pressure or tension, which can cause it to fall off.
- Give clean, dry towels a shake before folding them. Store them in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry place and keep them looking fluffy by storing them well ventilated and dry.
- A smart fold will help keep your towels in tip-top shape and your linen closet neat. For the best use of your shelf space, we recommend folding bath towels and hand towels in thirds.
How To Care For Your Towels
Taking good care of your towels is important if you have good skin as it can help prevent skin breakouts or acne. Here are a few tips to help you care better for your towels below:
- Wash your towels independently of other clothing or linens in a gentle cycle. If you must wash it with another laundry, it should be other towels. Also, you should wash white and different color towels separately.
- Use only the quantity of detergent recommended by the manufacturer, as too much may leave your towels feeling rough and stiff.
- Do not use liquid fabric softener, as it can cause waxy buildup, which will reduce the absorption of your towels.
Something to Note
Sometimes, caring for your towel also includes replacing them. This is because even with the best care, towels will lose fibers and absorbency after a while. If you haven’t replaced your luxurious towels in more than two years of wear and tear, it’s time to do so. Thankfully, replacing them isn’t expensive.