Here’s Dihan Chandra of Organic Lifestyle to help you solve your bath towel woes.
Tip #1: Hang towels
Whether they’re organic cotton, bamboo or a blend, it’s crucial that towels “breathe” immediately after use, to allow air flow through fibers and speed drying time. A towel balled up on the floor encourages bacterial growth, which increases funky smells.
Solution: Hang towels to dry!
Tip #2: Bamboo is better
Bamboo towels over organic cotton are better for odor prevention.
Why? Bamboo is made of a stringy material, which breathes better. Bamboo towels tend to be lighter than cotton and so dry faster. Bamboo plants are also thought to be naturally resistant to bacteria, mildew and fungus. But be sure to research your bamboo to ensure you purchase products that have been manufactured using environmentally friendly processes!
(Note: organic cotton towels can perform just as well when you follow all four tips.)
Tip #3: Air dry immediately
Don’t let freshly washed towels sit.
Bamboo can withstand high heat dryer cycles but dryers are energy hogs. Stick to air drying or the dryer’s air cycle.
Use an air cycle for organic cotton (high heat will cause shrinkage). With proper care, organic cotton towels will last a long time.
Tip #4: Avoid bleach and softeners
Bleach destroys the luxurious softness of towels and fabric softener leaves a coat of chemicals behind.
Have towels that cannot be salvaged?
- Donate them to an animal shelter or rehabilitation centre
- Give them to a mechanic friend or local auto repair shop
