Storing terry towelling properly: the best way to keep towels

If terry products such as towels are cared for and stored properly, they will last for many years and retain a pleasant texture. For the correct storage of terry towelling, not only its condition – dry and clean – is important, but also the place where it is kept.

Washed and dried

To ensure that towels, bath towels or flannels stay fresh-smelling and pleasant for a long time while also retaining their high absorbency, they should only ever be placed in a cupboard or on a shelf once they are completely dry. If they are still damp, an unpleasant musty smell will develop. Although this can be removed again by a hot wash, the next time you dry yourself may still bring an unwelcome surprise. It is also important that terry products are washed before being put away in the cupboard, because if they are merely air-dried, bacteria and mould can multiply and likewise cause unpleasant odours.

Storing towels in the bathroom

Storing shower towels and bath towels directly in the bathroom seems logical. After all, this is where the terry products are needed and they can quickly be taken from the cupboard or shelf when required. The disadvantage of storing them in the bathroom, however, is the damp air. Particularly in smaller bathrooms, it can take some time after a bath or shower for the steam to dissipate. The moisture then also settles on the towels, which quickly absorb the water thanks to their high absorbency. Even so, a musty smell soon develops in what were actually freshly washed towels. For terry products that are changed frequently, however, storage in the bathroom is not a problem. Care should simply be taken not to store too many towels there and to use those from the bottom of the stack regularly as well.

Storing terry towelling in a cupboard

It is best to store towels outside the bathroom. Whether you choose a closed cupboard or an open shelf depends on personal preference. On an open shelf, colour-coordinated towels can serve a decorative purpose and are easy to reach. Dust can, however, settle on them there – although the air can also circulate, which is an advantage. A closed cupboard, for example in the bedroom or hallway, protects terry towelling from dust, but should be opened regularly so that at least a little air can reach the towels. Another important point: the cupboard itself should be clean, so the shelves should be dusted and any dirt wiped away. Beach towels that are used only rarely can also be stored in vacuum bags, where they are ideally protected for the duration of storage.

Tips for a tidy bathroom

Everything is put away and yet the bathroom still looks untidy? This impression can also arise when many different colours are used. Coordinated furnishings such as shower mats, bath rugs or shower curtains can help create a calmer visual effect and leave a tidier overall impression. If towels are hanging in the bathroom to dry, or if smaller towels such as guest towels, face cloths or flannels are stored there, using matching colours also helps to create visual order. In addition, neatly folded towels look tidier and can also be stored in a space-saving way. If the seams are folded inwards, the stacks are also less likely to topple over. If you prefer, you can also fold the towels lengthwise and then roll them up.