How Often Should I Wash My Beach Towel?
With summer in full swing, beach outings and pool parties are a common joy! Along with those parties come beach towels. If you're anything like my husband and I, you're often asking each other "is it time to wash the beach towels?" He wants to wash them every time they see a drop of water, but I wasn't sure about that - so I did some research. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your towel remains fresh, clean, and long-lasting. TLDR: You DON'T have to wash them after every use.
Should You Wash Your Beach Towel After Every Use?
The short answer is: not necessarily. While it's important to keep your towel clean, washing it after every use isn't always required. Here’s a guide on how to treat your towel to keep it absorbent, long lasting, germ free and full of color and life:
Let Your Towel Dry Out in the Sun
After a day at the beach or pool, let your towel dry thoroughly in the sun before washing it. Hang it outside or drape it over a railing to allow the sun’s ultraviolet rays to work their magic. Sunlight can kill germs and bacteria lingering on the towel. Be mindful that drying your towel outside might expose it to pollen, so if you have allergies, consider this.
Shake Off the Sand
Before tossing your towel in the wash, give it a good shake to remove as much sand as possible (listen for that snap when you shake it). Sand can damage your washing machine, so it’s best to get rid of it beforehand. Lay your towel flat or hang it up and shake vigorously.
Wash in Cold Water
When it’s time to wash your beach towel, always use cold water. Cold water helps preserve the vibrant colors of your towel and prevents them from fading. It also helps maintain the integrity of the fabric, ensuring your towel stays soft and absorbent.
Avoid Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners might seem like a good idea, but they can actually reduce the absorbency of your towel over time. They can build up within the fibers and create a waxy coating. The same goes for microfiber towels; fabric softeners can cause buildup and make them less effective.
Hang Drying vs. Tumble Drying
Hang drying your towel is not only eco-friendly but also prevents it from shrinking. If you prefer using a dryer, opt for the low-heat setting to avoid damaging the fibers.
How Often to Wash Your Towel
A general rule of thumb is to wash your beach towel every 1-3 uses. If it’s not visibly dirty and has been thoroughly dried between uses, it’s perfectly fine to wait a few uses before washing it. For small stains, a quick spot clean should suffice.
Conclusion
Keeping your beach towel clean and fresh doesn’t have to be a chore. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a soft, absorbent towel every time you hit the beach or pool. So in conlusion: it’s not always necessary to wash your towel after every use. Just make sure it’s completely dry before the next outing, shake off any sand, and wash it every few uses to maintain its quality.
Happy beach days!