How long do you soak Turkish towels?

Author: Ms. Justina Torp DDS  |  Last update: Saturday, August 9, 2025

Before the first use, you'll want to soak your towels for 12 hours (or overnight) in cold water. This ensures they'll retain maximum absorbency and softness.

How long to soak towels before washing?

Pre-soak new towels in cold water for a few hours before washing to help activate the absorbency. Cold machine wash with mild laundry powder or liquid. Wash colours separately.

How to make Turkish towels absorbent?

Try adding vinegar to the wash cycle. A half to full cup of white vinegar to the occasional wash load is a great natural way to increase absorbency (by changing the water Ph).

How to make Turkish towels soft again?

Six ways to make towels soft again
  1. Give them a reviving wash. Go back to the basics of good laundering. ...
  2. Add vinegar. Hard towels are commonly caused by a build-up of chemicals, including those found in tap water. ...
  3. Ensure the machine isn't too full. ...
  4. Be sparing with conditioner. ...
  5. Dry them gradually. ...
  6. Give them a good shake.

Should you put Turkish towels in the dryer?

The recommended approach is to tumble-dry your Turkish towels on low heat. High temperatures may weaken the cotton fibers, which can lead to issues like shrinkage or fabric damage. By opting for a low-temperature setting and actively monitoring the drying time, you can prevent your towels from overdrying.

3 Reasons to Switch to Turkish Towels

How long to soak Turkish towels?

After your towels soak in a cool bath for 12 hours, wring them and hang them to air dry. It's important they air dry for the first time rather than going directly into the dryer. If you're wondering if you'll have to repeat this process throughout the towel's lifetime, the answer is no.

What is so special about Turkish towels?

Turkish towels are large, flat-woven towels, that were traditionally used in Turkish baths. What's so special about them? They are super absorbent and very quick-drying. They pack light and they are versatile as you can use them in many different ways.

Why aren't my Turkish towels absorbent?

Turkish cotton needs to be "trained" to hold onto liquid. Washing your towel will open up the fibers of the cotton and help it to better absorb water. Some people like to soak their Turkish towels in a bucket of water to help with this process.

Where do you put vinegar in washing machine towels?

Using vinegar in laundry is simple. You can add it to the fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine or pour it in during the final rinse cycle.

How do hotels keep towels soft?

Incorporating natural additives such as vinegar or baking soda during the wash cycle can further enhance softness. Advanced drying methods, utilizing commercial-grade dryers with precise drying cycles, play a crucial role in preserving the towels' plush texture.

How can you tell a quality Turkish towel?

How to Spot a Quality Turkish Towel
  1. Material: Genuine Turkish towels are made from 100% Turkish cotton.
  2. Weave: Look for a tight weave, ensuring durability and absorbency.
  3. Softness: Authentic Turkish towels become softer with each wash.
  4. Reputation: Purchase from a trusted Turkish towel company to ensure authenticity.

How do hotels get their towels so absorbent?

One of the primary factors contributing to the superior absorbency of hotel towels is the fiber composition. Most high-quality hotel towels are crafted from 100% cotton, with a strong emphasis on using long-staple cotton fibers.

Why do my Turkish towels smell bad?

Towels often become smelly due to two main culprits — bacteria and moisture. Towels are designed to absorb moisture, making them a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which thrive in damp environments. This bacteria growth can lead to the mildew smell we all dread.

Can I soak towels overnight?

Soak your stinky towels in a bucket of white, distilled vinegar for 30 minutes to overnight with a tablespoon of detergent to help loosen body soils. Vinegar contains acetic acid that breaks up mineral deposits and dissolves the build-up of body soils on your towels. Rinse thoroughly.

How long should I soak my microfiber towels?

Toss lightly soiled microfiber towels into the cool water and massage them by hand to remove trapped particles. Let the cloths soak in the water for 15 minutes before giving them a final swirl.

Does laundry stripping make whites whiter?

If your sheets look dingy, stripping will help remove buildup and restore brightness. Note: the stripping recipe of Borax, washing soda, and detergent is not a bleach. If your sheets or towels smell musty even after washing, stripping will help remove trapped odors and freshen them.

What happens if you use vinegar and laundry detergent together?

Adding vinegar directly to the wash with your laundry detergent may compromise its cleaning performance. Laundry detergents are formulated for specific pH levels, which may be disrupted by the acidity of vinegar, leading to less effective cleaning. It's best to avoid mixing them to ensure optimal results.

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar?

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.

Will soaking towels in vinegar soften them?

Regular Maintenance: Every few months, give your towels a vinegar soak to prevent mineral buildup from hard water and maintain their softness. Doing this even a few times a year will help keep your towels soft all year long.

Are Turkish towels worth the hype?

The comfort, absorbency, and style that come with luxury Turkish bath towels make them a worthwhile addition to your home. If you're ready to treat yourself to this luxury, explore the offerings at the Turkish Towel Collection. Your bath experience will never be the same!

Can you put Turkish towels in the dryer?

YES! By hanging your Turkish towels to dry you will lower your energy consumption and eliminate unnecessary wear. But that's not practical for most people. High quality Turkish towels are safe in the dryer and will come out soft and safe.

How to break in Turkish towel?

How do I 'break-in' my Turkish Towel? For information on why we ask you to 'break in' your towel, click here. We strongly encourage a pre-soak our towels in cold water for 4-6 hours followed by a cold-water wash and line dry.

What is better Egyptian or Turkish towels?

Consider Softness and Feel

If you prefer towels that are soft from the start, Turkish cotton might be your choice. Egyptian cotton is a good choice for long-term softness and durability.

How long do Turkish towels last?

With proper care, they can last for years while maintaining their softness and absorbency. Whether you're using them at home, on vacation, or for various activities, Turkish towels are a reliable and fashionable choice.

Why are Turkish bath towels so expensive?

The cotton has extra long fibers resulting in a smooth thread, which is then made into a flat woven fabric. Since authentic Turkish towels forgo fast fashion in favor of a slow artistic craft, they are more expensive than other towels.

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