New towels do not dry well because manufacturers treat them with fabric softeners, silicone, and "sizing" (starches) to make them look plush and feel luxurious on store shelves. These chemical coatings create a water-resistant layer over the cotton fibers. Additionally, the dense, unwashed cotton fibers are tightly wound and need a few break-in washes to loosen and properly absorb moisture.
Towels are Treated to Feel Soft in the Showroom
But if you've ever attempted to use a new bath towel without first washing it, you probably noticed it wasn't absorbing much water. This is because cotton towels are treated with a silicone finish at the end of the manufacturing process.
Stay away from fabric softener and bleach! If you're dealing with musty odors, consider adding vinegar during the wash cycle partnered with your laundry detergent. This combination works wonders to clean and sanitize your towels. Once laundered, shake and place your towels into the dryer on the Warm/Delicate setting.
For eczema-prone skin, the best towels are made of ultra-soft, hypoallergenic natural fibers like 100% bamboo, eucalyptus, or organic Turkish cotton. These materials prevent friction, reduce bacteria buildup, and are free from harsh chemical dyes.
Start by washing the towels in your washing machine using hot water and your usual detergent. Pause the rinse cycle and add between half a cup and one cup of baking soda to the water. The baking soda will act as a natural fabric softener and break down residues that might be impeding towel absorbency.
Towels dry faster on towel bars because the fabric is spread flat, exposing maximum surface area to the air. Hooks cause towels to bunch and fold, which traps moisture in the creases, increasing the risk of musty odors and bacteria growth.
To stop new towels from shedding fuzz, strip the manufacturing coating and release loose fibers by washing them in a hot water cycle with 1 cup of white vinegar (and no detergent), followed by a wash with 1/2 cup of baking soda. Afterward, tumble dry them on a low heat setting.
Europeans generally do not use washcloths, viewing them as highly personal items like underwear or a toothbrush. Instead, when lathering up in the shower or at the sink, they use:
The highest-quality bath towels prioritize premium materials—like long-staple Turkish, Egyptian, or Supima cotton—and high gram-per-square-meter (GSM) counts of 600 to 800+ for ultimate plushness. Top expert- and editor-recommended options include:
Kate Middleton – Yes, the Duchess of Cambridge has eczema.
To break in new towels, strip their factory coatings and maximize their absorbency by running them through two wash cycles. First, wash in hot water with 1 cup of white vinegar (no detergent). Next, wash in warm water with 1/2 cup of baking soda (no detergent). Tumble dry on low to fluff the fibers.
If a brand of 100% cotton towels say “Do Not Bleach” for every color, even white, it is likely a way for the towel manufacturer to save money by using the same conservative care label on all of the towels in the product line, regardless of the towel's colorfastness to either chlorine or oxygen bleach.
Yes, most white toilet paper is bleached. Naturally, wood pulp used to make toilet paper is brown. Bleaching removes lignin (a natural plant polymer that causes stiffness and color) and softens the paper.
Use less detergent: use less detergent than recommended, avoiding leaving residue on the towels. Dry towels separately: dry new towels separately from other clothes and towels to avoid spreading the chemicals. Use vinegar: add a cup of vinegar to the rinse water to neutralise the chemicals and soften the fibres.
Japanese old-fashioned cotton cloth "Sarashi" is an alternative to paper towels and reusable for kitchen use such as draining food, straining soup ...
Kate Middleton likely did not lose her hair during chemotherapy because not all cancer treatments cause hair loss, and she specifically noted she did not require cold cap therapy. Hair loss depends on the specific drugs, dosages, and individual factors, as some chemotherapy regimens—such as those for certain abdominal cancers—do not cause hair to fall out.
Prince Harry recalled meeting Kate Middleton, describing her as 'carefree, sweet, and kind,' before their bond strained amid royal family tensions.
Prince William and Kate eat separately on Christmas morning due to a long-standing royal tradition. Former royal chef Darren McGrady explained that royal men and women are split up for breakfast. The women are served a light meal—like sliced fruit, toast, and coffee—in their rooms, while the men gather downstairs for a heavier, hearty breakfast before attending church.
Premium towels made in the USA prioritize 100% locally grown cotton, durable double-stitched hemming, and non-toxic dyes. Top brands stand out for their exceptional softness, absorbency, and genuine American supply chains.
The Ritz-Carlton uses exclusive, plush bath towels made of premium 100% cotton. Known for their supreme absorbency and thickness, they feature an elegant checkerboard dobby weave trim in classic white. You can purchase these exact towels for home use through the official Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.
The best bath towel brands include Pottery Barn, Brooklinen, Quince, and Crate & Barrel. These top-rated brands balance premium absorbency, rapid drying, and plush softness across a variety of price points and styles.
Towels are the most commonly stolen item from hotels, with nearly 88% of hotel staff and owners reporting they frequently disappear from guest rooms.
Around 70% of the world doesn't rely on toilet paper in the way we do, turning to water before tissue.
To blend in with locals in Europe, ditch the "American tourist uniform" of athletic wear, baseball caps, and cargo shorts. Elevate your travel wardrobe by prioritizing well-fitted silhouettes, neutral earth tones, comfortable low-profile leather sneakers, and sleek crossbody bags instead of bulky backpacks.