Common Towel Problems and Simple Solutions

Problem 1: Funky Smell
Damp towels left in gym bags or on bathroom floors often develop musty odors. To eliminate these smells, mix ½ cup of baking soda with your regular detergent during washing. Baking soda neutralizes odors naturally.

Problem 2: Lack of Softness
If your towels feel rough, baking soda can help here too. Add it to your laundry as described above to loosen fibers, remove chemicals and grime, and restore softness to your towels.

Problem 3: Poor Absorbency
New towels often struggle with absorbency. Wash and dry them 4–6 times or more to allow the cotton fibers to “bloom,” enhancing their ability to soak up water.
Tip: Avoid fabric softeners, as they contain silicon that coats fibers and makes towels water-repellent.

Problem 4: Stiff Towels
Stiffness occurs when towels accumulate soapy residue. Use half the recommended amount of detergent to make it easier for the rinse cycle to remove soap. For a deeper clean, add 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash every six weeks to dissolve residue and improve absorbency.

Problem 5: Long Drying Time
Thicker towels naturally take longer to dry. To save energy and reduce drying time, consider switching to a mid-weight towel like Peshterry. These can cut drying time by at least one-third while maintaining good performance.