Towel care guide: how to keep your towels hygienic, soft & vibrant
Many people want especially soft towels with bright, vibrant colours. Alongside the quality of the towels – such as premium materials and colour fastness – how they are used and cared for is crucial. With the right care, towels remain not only hygienic, but also durable and pleasant to use.
How often should I wash my towels?
In addition to visible dirt and odours, the development of microorganisms – such as bacteria and viruses – is the main factor influencing when towels should be washed.
Towels are among the most heavily used textiles in the household, as they come into daily contact with moisture and skin. Studies by the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM, 2020) show that damp towels can develop an increased risk of bacterial growth after just 2–3 days. Therefore, all towels should be washed at least once a week, while face cloths and flannels should ideally be changed daily.
| Towel type | Recommended washing frequency |
|---|---|
| Towels | Every 3–4 days |
| Bath towels / sauna towels | After 3 uses at the latest |
| Face cloths | Change daily |
At what temperature should I wash my towels?
The right washing temperature is crucial for both hygiene and longevity. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI, 2022), washing at 60°C is sufficient for normal use to reliably eliminate most germs. Only in cases of infectious illness or high microbial contamination is a boil wash (90°C) necessary. However, frequent high-temperature washing can damage fibres and fade colours.
- Regular towels and bath towels: 60°C
- Heavily soiled face cloths: 90°C
- Delicate or colour-intensive towels: 40–60°C with colour detergent
How can I keep my towels soft?
Over time, towels can become stiff due to limescale in the water and improper care. A study by the Hohenstein Institute (2021) shows that avoiding fabric softener is particularly important: it coats the fibres with a film that reduces absorbency. Instead, simple household remedies and proper drying can help.
- Avoid fabric softener (reduces absorbency)
- Use vinegar or bicarbonate of soda in the rinse cycle to combat limescale
- Tumble dry regularly on low heat
- Only fill the washing machine to around three-quarters capacity
You can find more tips and background information in our article on how to keep towels soft.
How can I maintain the colour of my towels for longer?
Colourful towels brighten up your bathroom, but can fade quickly if cared for incorrectly. According to a study in the Textile Research Journal (2020), the most common causes of colour loss are detergents containing bleach and excessively high washing temperatures.
- Wash with similar colours
- Use colour detergents without bleach
- Avoid direct sunlight when drying (UV rays cause fading)
- Turn face cloths inside out to protect the surface
If your towels have already lost some of their brightness, you can find helpful advice in this article on dyeing towels correctly.
Care tips for different types of towels
| Towel type | Recommended washing temperature | Special care considerations | Tip for long-lasting softness & colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towels | 60°C | Frequent everyday use, so wash regularly | Use vinegar in the rinse cycle against limescale, wash with similar colours |
| Bath towels | 60°C | Larger surface area → stays damp longer, avoid germ build-up | Dry thoroughly after use, wash without fabric softener |
| Sauna towels | 60°C (up to 90°C if heavily soiled) | Intensive use in sauna & spa → thorough cleaning required | Air dry instead of tumble drying to protect fibres |
| Beach towels | 40–60°C | Often exposed to sand & chlorine → clean gently | Shake out before washing, use colour detergent without bleach |
| Face cloths | 60–90°C | High bacterial exposure due to skin contact | Use boil wash when necessary, change frequently |
If you are currently looking for high-quality towels with long-lasting quality and colour, you’ll find a wide selection in our towel collections – perfect for a fresh new look in your bathroom.
Tip: Towels from our SUPERWUSCHEL, LOFT, BAMBOO LUXE and WELLNESS collections are particularly soft and fluffy.
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