
Get exclusive shopping offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
Updated
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Egyptian cotton, Turkish cotton or bamboo? Should you be buying something with a low GSM or a high GSM? There are so many different types of towels on the market it can be confusing for beginners.
Whether you're buying your own towels for the very first time, or looking to brush up on your knowledge, this is the buying guide for you. Here at Finder, we've broken down exactly how to choose, wash and maintain towels for maximum lifespan and ultimate fluffiness. To gather an expert opinion, we spoke to Romaine Sutton, the head designer at Sheridan.
Deciding on the right amount of towels to own is completely dependent on individual circumstances. One person should own at least two sets of towels, that way, as you wash one, you will still have a fresh set to use. Feel free to own more than two if your heart desires.
If you're shopping for a family, it's fair to own around two sets per person. However, if you don't mind sharing and are looking for something cost-effective, just opt for one towel set per family member.
The one and only way to keep your towels feeling soft and luxurious is to follow the recommended washing instructions. This can differ between different materials and towel fibres, so following what the brand recommends is crucial.
Is there anything else you can do? Not really. Romaine Sutton from Sheridan says to "avoid the use of softeners". Now, you may be confused but there is a method behind this theory. According to Sutton, "softeners repel water and therefore reduce the absorbency of the towel".
What about drying? The way you dry your towels can directly influence how fluffy your towel is.
"It's best to use a mix of line and tumble drying. The sun acts as a natural antibacterial agent whilst tumble drying gives them that soft, fluffy feel," Sutton says.
Keeping your towels clean and fresh is essential. Washing them at least once a week, or ideally after every two or three uses is perfect. This keeps any build-up of natural body oils and/or bacteria to a minimum.
If you start to notice an odour coming from your towel, it could either be from this build-up or from not allowing the towels to fully dry after use. To stop this from happening, make sure you hang your towel after use in a well-ventilated space, instead of leaving it on the bathroom floor.
Washing a new towel before use is absolutely necessary. Not only does it set the colour, but it also can improve absorbency.
"You should always wash towels before first use. For best results, use a 40-degree gentle wash. This is the ideal temperature to remove natural body oils, bacteria and chemical detergents," Sutton says.
We recommend to not overcrowd the washing machine and fill it with brand new towels in need of a wash. Washing just a few at a time means it has plenty of water to soak in and properly wash through.
If you have enough room in your storage space, fold the towels into large squares. If you're working with a narrow cupboard, rolling your towels works well as a space-saver alternative.
Looking for other ways to store towels? Sutton suggests "to use them as styling pieces". If you find a towel you're proud to show off, hang it over decorative racks or you can roll a few and stack them in a gorgeous wick basket.
Image source: Getty
This double-duty sleeping mask provides a long-lasting wash of colour and ultimate hydration.
How to build a construction company from the ground up including the key training requirements and legal documentation.
2021 is shaping up to be the year of self-improvement, with 83% of Australians setting goals for the new year according to new research by Finder, Australia’s most visited comparison site.
We've had some time to test out the brand new Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra. Here are our early impressions.
When do they go on sale in Australia and what do they cost?
From fascinators to dramatic sleeves and corsets, live your Bridgerton fantasy with these trends.
Muggles will finally have access to the world of Hogwarts on their TVs again starting this weekend.
Thousands of Australians still don’t have access to the NBN, but there are fast speed Internet alternatives available.
Everything we know about the Chimeric Therapeutics IPO, plus information on how to buy in.
Everything we know about the Singular Health IPO, plus information on how to buy in.