Households are being urged to dry towels outside in the sun this week – because it does more than just leave them smelling fresh.
When the sun is blazing, sun-drying towels can actually extend the lifespan of your towels, according to bathroom experts at Mira Showers. This is because the sun’s rays, as well as giving you a nice tan, can kill bacteria that are trapped in the fibres of your towel even between washes.
Though this week is slightly cooler than last week, it’s still set to be mostly warm and sunny, the perfect conditions for drying towels outside. Moreover, those with hayfever won’t be as affected as pollen counts drop, meaning there’s less risk of bringing pollen back inside on your towel, too. Heather Nixon, Sustainability Manager at Mira Showers, explains why sun drying towels is so beneficial.
She said: “Ideally, towels should be dried as quickly as possible to prevent that damp, musty smell. In the warmer months, drying them outside is the best option, sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and leaves them smelling fresh.
“Making the most of warm air outdoors is important as drying towels outdoors helps kill bacteria naturally.”
How often should you wash your towels?
Heather adds: “Bath towels should be washed after being used three to four times, or every two to three days if you shower daily. Towels don’t just absorb water, they also soak up dead skin cells, body oils, sweat, and bacteria.
“Damp towels left hanging in humid bathrooms quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria, especially if not dried thoroughly between uses.
“Face towels or gym towels should be washed after every use, especially if you’re using them to wipe off sweat or remove makeup, as these can clog fibres and lead to odours or skin irritation.
“Shake towels out after each use and hang them flat to dry in a well-ventilated space (ideally not bunched over a hook or radiator).
“Making the most of warm air outdoors is also important as drying towels outdoors helps kill bacteria naturally and leaves them smelling fresher than ever.”
What temperature should you wash towels at?
“When it comes to keeping your towels hygienic, washing temperature really matters,” says Heather
“For everyday use, a 30°C wash is usually sufficient to remove dirt, body oils and light odours. But if your towels have a musty smell or have been sitting damp for a while, it’s best to wash them at 60°C to properly neutralise bacteria and mildew. Laundry detergents from eco-friendly brands are designed to wash items at lower temperatures without reducing effectiveness.
Higher temperatures are especially important during warmer months when humidity in the bathroom can make germs thrive. Just make sure to check the care label and avoid overloading the drum so your towels get a thorough clean.”
Why do my towels smell after washing?
“Towels that still smell unpleasant after washing may contain stubborn bacteria that need removing. Rewash your towel using a cup of white vinegar instead of detergent as adding more detergent won’t help with the smell and will instead leave a residue. This should neutralise the bacteria and neutralise any odours.
In addition, ensure you hang towels out to dry immediately after washing them. Leaving towels in the drum allows mould and mildew to develop, causing damp smells.”
