In the summer, there’s nothing better than a soft pool towel to wrap up in after a swim. You likely chose your towels based on feel and colour, but the pool is surprisingly rough. Chlorine, salt, and strong UV rays pull apart and dry out those fibres. This article will discuss how proper care is the key to keeping your cotton towels bright and absorbent for years.
Immediate Fresh Water Rinsing After Use
When you leave the pool or the ocean, your towel absorbs salt and chemicals. If left to dry in the sun, these things crystallise in the cotton fibres, making them hard and brittle.
The chemical damage stops when you wash your pool towels by rinsing them in clean water immediately after using them. This simple step removes the chlorine before it has the chance to bleach the dyes or deteriorate the fabric. It’s the simplest and most effective method to prolong the life of summer gear.
Washing with Gentle Liquid Detergents
When it’s time to do a full wash, don’t use harsh powders that leave any residue in the cotton loops. Liquid detergents get washed more easily and are typically gentler on the vibrant dyes of pool towels. Inadequately using soap will cause a buildup that makes the towel less absorbent over time.
Also, make sure the wash temperature is cool or lukewarm. High temperatures cause cotton fibres to shrink and dyes to bleed more quickly. You can wash your towels pretty well with good enough soap in gentle cycles, and they will not lose their softness or colour.
Utilising White Vinegar as a Natural Softener
Traditional fabric softeners do this job by coating fibres in a waxy layer, which makes towels less effective at drying you off. Mix in half a cup of white vinegar to your final rinse cycle for a better experience. Vinegar helps to strip away old soap residue and mineral buildup from the pool water.
Without any chemical coating, this simple hack makes the cotton feel soft and fluffy. Vinegar can also “lock in” the colours, keeping them from running or fading during the wash. There’s no need to worry—the towels will smell clean and fresh once they’re dry.
Drying in the Shade to Prevent UV Fading
Though it’s undeniably tempting to see the pull of towels draped over a sun-swept fence, the sun is a potent bleaching agent. Your navy and teal will gradually wear down with direct UV exposure for extended periods. To keep the colours bright, place your towels in a shady, well-ventilated area.
If you have a tumble dryer, do go for a low to medium heat setting. Tending to overdry at high temperatures can weaken the fine cotton fibres and cause them to fray too soon. Removing them while they are still slightly “warm” and letting them finish in the air keeps them supple and strong.
Avoiding Direct Contact with Skin Care Chemicals
Most of the things you use in the pool, like sunscreens and bronzers, can cause permanent staining on cotton. Benzoyl peroxide, which is present in some treatments for acne, is especially known for making bleached “orange” spots on coloured towels. While wrapping up, remember these products before you pack.
If you do apply sunscreen to your towel, treat the spot with a gentle stain remover before throwing the towel in the wash. A little knowledge of what comes into contact with your towel can prevent many common “mystery stains”.
Proper Folding and Storage Techniques
Finally, where you store your towels in the off-season and between uses is critical for their long-term use. Ensure they are 100% bone dry before folding to prevent mildew from creeping in and creating “musty” scents. Keep them in a cool, dry place out of the sun or damp bathroom air.
Don’t stack them too high, as they can pack heavily enough to crush the cotton loops and decrease their fluffiness. Allowing your towels a bit of “breathing room” in the linen closet helps keep them fresh.
Prolonging Your Summer Comfort
All of your towels will retain their plush texture for the duration of the season thanks to this six-step care procedure. The benefits of a thorough rinsing and washing are immediately noticeable every time you get in the water, and it only takes a few minutes.
Enjoy the luxury of a plush, brightly coloured towel all year round and ensure your summer gear is in excellent condition. The effort you put in now will pay dividends in the summer when you’re still using a nearly new towel for drying off.
