White bath towels can lose their new appearance even when washed frequently. The high absorption capacity causes the fibers to accumulate, over time, body oil, product residues, dirt and minerals present in the water.
How to whiten dingy bath towels: Tips from professionals
White bath towels can lose their new appearance even when washed frequently. The high absorption capacity causes the fibers to accumulate, over time, body oil, product residues, dirt and minerals present in the water. The result usually...
Before replacing the pieces, however, some washing techniques can help recover the white and eliminate residue trapped in the fabric. Experts consulted by the Real Simple website point to oxygen-based bleach as one of the most efficient alternatives.
- Cleaning vinegar and baking soda can also be used, as long as some precautions are followed.
- How to Whiten White Towels with Oxygen Bleach For Robin Murphy, a home cleaning expert, oxygen-based bleach is a good choice because it acts on stains and residue without creating a layer...
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The result usually appears in the form of spots, yellowish areas or a grayish appearance. Before replacing the pieces, however, some washing techniques can help recover the white and eliminate residue trapped in the fabric.
Experts consulted by the Real Simple website point to oxygen-based bleach as one of the most efficient alternatives. Cleaning vinegar and baking soda can also be used, as long as some precautions are followed.
How to Whiten White Towels with Oxygen Bleach
For Robin Murphy, a home cleaning expert, oxygen-based bleach is a good choice because it acts on stains and residue without creating a layer on the fibers.
"Oxygen bleach is my favorite and most effective method for whitening old white bath towels because it helps remove stains and residue without coating the fibers," he explains.
The procedure begins before washing in the machine. Towels should be soaked in warm or hot water with about a half to a cup of oxygen-based powdered bleach. Afterwards, they can be washed normally.
Another important precaution is the quantity of clothes placed in the machine. Overfilling the drum makes it difficult to move the towels and affects rinsing.
"Be careful not to overfill the washing machine or use too much detergent. Don't use fabric softener," advises Murphy.
According to the expert, "towels need space to move and rinse well."
Excess detergent should also be avoided, as the product can remain accumulated in the fibers and contribute to the grimy appearance. The fabric softener, in turn, can create residue on the fabric and compromise its absorption capacity.
Vinegar and bicarbonate help to restore dirty towels
Those who prefer a bleach-free alternative can use cleaning vinegar and baking soda. The products help combat odors and residues that remain in the fibers.
There is, however, an important rule: the two ingredients must not be added together in the same washing stage.
"Vinegar helps dissolve residue and can soften fibers, while baking soda helps deodorize and lightly clean," explains Lewenhaupt.
"Normally, you need to use each ingredient in a separate wash cycle, as they neutralize each other when used together," he adds.
Cleaning professional Lexi Brown recommends starting with half a cup of baking soda and warm or hot water. Afterwards, the towels must be rinsed well to remove the product before proceeding with normal machine washing and drying.
If vinegar is used, it must be included in a separate stage, preventing its action from being nullified by the bicarbonate.
When is it best to change the bath towel?
Not every old towel can be restored with just a deeper wash. The dingy appearance alone does not mean that the piece needs to be discarded, but some signs indicate that it has reached the end of its useful life.
"A towel is past its best when it is thin, frayed, has holes in it or no longer absorbs water even after being washed," says Murphy.
Therefore, before buying new towels, it is worth observing the condition of the fibers. If the problem is simply loss of white, stains or residue build-up, proper cleaning may be enough to significantly improve appearance and prolong use.
Yellowed white clothes? See how to recover the parts
Stains can appear from sweat residue, contact with wood, inadequate packaging and exposure to smoke. Some care when washing and storing helps preserve fabrics for longer