Find everything you need to know to pick durable towels and keep them looking and smelling fresh.

Nothing beats wrapping yourself in fluffy terry following a bath, but if not properly cared for, towels can start looking drab and smelling worse, leaving you feeling less than clean. A towel’s dense fibres wick moisture – and everything that comes with it – deep into its core, creating the dark, damp conditions ideal for bacterial growth. So launder towels often, using the hottest setting the fabric can handle and a mild detergent. For an extra disinfecting kick, add a cup or two of white vinegar, but skip the fabric softener, which tends to cling to and remain embedded among the loops, compromising a complete cleanse. Be sure to remove towels from the washer immediately and dry thoroughly (in direct sunlight, if possible) but don’t overheat – it can damage the fibres.



Less is more
Though it might be tempting to load up on detergent, Melissa Maker, founder of Clean My Space, warns that leftover suds can cling to extra dirt and redeposit it onto your laundry, leaving it dingy.

DO: Wash coloured towels separately the first few times, even those labelled colourfast (better safe than sorry!).

DON’T: Use chlorine bleach on white towels (opt for gentler oxygen-powered bleach instead).

Hang on
Beyond aesthetics, a towel left crumpled on the bathroom floor is a strict no-no, as it will remain moist for a prolonged period and therefore be vulnerable to bacterial growth. Hang it on a towel bar rather than a hook, on which it would bunch and fold. For an extra drying boost and luxe factor, consider investing in a towel warmer.

Material matters
Get to know the most popular towel textiles.
 

• Egyptian cotton: Dense, strong fibres that produce the ultimate softness and absorbency.
• Supima cotton: Almost as soft as egyptian but longer lasting.
• Organic cotton: Sustainably sourced; quality depends on the type of cotton.
• Turkish cotton: Highly durable, boasting a natural sheen.
• Bamboo viscose: Sustainable and antibacterial; fast drying and lustrous.
• Microfibre: Super-fast-drying synthetic; lacks plushness.

Did you know?
The quality of a towel is measured by its grams per square metre (GSM), ranging from about 300 on the low end to 600 on the high.



For good measure
Ensure you're using the right amount of detergent with pre-measured pods.

Triple threat: This naturally sourced detergent deep cleans, targets stains and softens laundry. Grab Green fragrance-free 3-in-1 laundry detergent, Well.ca, $11 per 24 pods.

Earth-friendly: A low-foaming vegetable-and mineral-based option that conserves water. Nature clean unscented laundry detergent, Canadian Tire, $8 per 24 pods.

Non-allergenic: A powerful formula that is less irritating to sensitive skin. Free & Gentle laundry detergent, Tide.com, $10 per 31 pods.