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.
1.) SOAK THEM 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 and why is this necessary? In short, it allows the cotton fibers to bloom and expand. What does that mean?
'Regular' towels utilize a loop weave, which makes the towel bulky and leaves it prone to becoming stiff, scratchy, and less absorbent over time. On the contrary, Turkish towels utilize a flat weave - which results in the towel's thin form, compact nature, and ultra-absorbent quality.
Long fibers look and feel much smoother. They make the towel super absorbent - longer fibers means the fiber can swell more to absorb more water. They make the towel super durable - shorter fibers will start to pill and lint quickly. Longer fibers are longer lasting.
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.
Luxury Turkish towels are generally pretty easy to spot. They will be more expensive than other kinds of towels, as they are handmade in Turkey. Always check the fabric label of the towel to see where it originated. It would not be an authentic Turkish towel if it wasn't made in Turkey.
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.
Use baking soda.
This will help loosen up fibers and clean off any chemicals or grime, making your towels softer.
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.
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.
Higher-quality materials often come at a higher cost. Traditional Craftsmanship: Turkish towels are woven using traditional techniques that require skilled craftsmanship. The intricate weaving process and attention to detail contribute to their quality and durability but can also increase production costs.
The Origins of Turkish Towels
Turkish towels, also known as peshtemal or hammam towels, were originally used in Turkish baths (hammams) as a way to cover oneself while changing and as a means of drying off after bathing. Turkish towels were originally made of 100% cotton and were handwoven on a loom.
They are very absorbent, lightweight and easy to carry, dry quickly and always smell fresh, making them perfect for everyday use. Apart from a great towel, many people use them as a shawl, a scarf, a throw or a blanket.
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).
For a bathtub, add ¼ cup borax, ¼ cup washing soda and ½ cup laundry detergent. Stir until all three ingredients dissolve completely. Submerge your "clean" towels or sheets in the mixture and soak until the water has cooled, which usually takes at least four hours.
White vinegar is an all-natural towel stain remover—and it can eliminate that musty towel smell, too. To use this ingredient to your benefit, follow Mooney's advice: "Soak items in distilled white vinegar for three minutes before adding them to your washing machine," she says.
For super soft towels, add fabric conditioner to your load of laundry. Pouring a bit of liquid fabric conditioner like Lenor into your machine's dispenser drawer will prevent your towels from fading, stretching and bobbling during the wash, acting as a lubricant and helping to make them feel soft.
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.
To keep your towel as fresh as possible, we recommend washing your Turkish towel in cold or medium temperature water. To do this: Machine wash the towel using a cold, gentle cycle. Don't use any bleach or fabric softener while washing your towel.
Natural fibres like Turkish towels are soft on the hair. Not only is the natural fibre soft but they don't carry abrasive particles like sand that can cause micro abrasions. This is due to the smooth tight weave of the fabric that dosen't have loops to scoop up particles.
Many clients who purchase Turkish towels do ultimately adapt them for use as blankets in the home, simply because they're so soft and warm. So, our expansion to blankets was only natural. These super versatile blankets also have many uses; they're not just for the beach. They make great picnic blankets or tablecloths.
Generally, Egyptian cotton has even longer and stronger fibers than Turkish cotton. Additionally, Egyptian cotton fibers are a bit thicker and have more texture than their Turkish counterparts, which makes them more absorbent.
They love to show off their Turkish towels on hooks, shelves, baskets and ladders inside and outside the bathroom. They also love to throw them over their couches or favorite chairs and even as a throw blanket on their bed. They add a splash of color and a little bit of pattern and a boho chic vibe to their home.