Step 1
Check labels and sort
Read the wash, bleach and drying instructions on every towel. Separate lights, darks, possible colour bleeders and towels with trims; keep them away from lightweight garments.
HW027 · Laundry and garment care
How to Wash and Dry Towels Properly
Sort, load loosely, follow the label and dry fully before storage
Overview
Towels hold a lot of moisture. Check each care label, group compatible colours and materials, use a suitable wash cycle, and dry the load promptly and completely to reduce colour transfer, residue and musty odours.
Tools needed
- Laundry basket or clean sorting area
- Towel care labels
- Detergent used according to its label
- Washing machine and user manual
- Ventilated drying area or suitable dryer
Cleaning steps
Step 2
Deal with wetness and stains
Spread damp towels out instead of sealing them in a hamper. Pretreat visible stains only as permitted by both the towel and stain-product labels; do not mix products.
Step 3
Load the washer loosely
Do not pack the towels down or exceed the machine manual’s capacity. They need room for water and detergent solution to circulate.
Step 4
Measure the detergent
Follow the product label for load size and soil level. Too much detergent, or an unsuitable softener, can leave residue and reduce absorbency.
Step 5
Choose a label-safe cycle
Use the water temperature, cycle and spin permitted by the care label. A towel cycle still has to agree with the towel labels and machine manual.
Step 6
Dry promptly and completely
Remove towels as soon as washing ends. Spread them in moving air or use a label-approved dryer setting, then store only when thick hems and folds are fully dry.
4 common mistakes
✕ Avoid
Leaving wet towels sealed in a hamper
✓ Correct actionSpread them out to air until it is time to wash.
✕ Avoid
Packing towels with lightweight clothes
✓ Correct actionSort by colour and weight and leave the drum loosely loaded.
✕ Avoid
Guessing a large detergent or softener dose
✓ Correct actionMeasure from the product label; omit softener when absorbency compatibility is unclear.
✕ Avoid
Folding towels that only feel dry on the surface
✓ Correct actionCheck thick hems and folds and store only when fully dry.
Safety notes
- Never reach into a moving washer drum; stop it as the manual directs and wait until it is fully still.
- Isolate towels contaminated with solvents, unknown chemicals or hazardous material and tell the employer instead of adding them to household laundry.
Tips for helpers
- Leave space between thick towels and turn them during air drying if needed.
- Keep towels away from snag-prone or lint-attracting garments.
Tips for employers
- Identify towels with trims, special fibres or household colour groups.
- Provide the washer manual and approved laundry products.
Completion checklist
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