What temp should i wash towels

The benefits of using Persil on a quick or cold wash

Home/
Laundry Tips/
Washing Guide/
The Benefits of a Cold Wash

Did you know that Persil Liquid removes tough stains first time, even in a quick or cold wash? Discover the benefits of washing your clothes at lower temperatures with this simple guide

Often, different people will tell you different things about doing the laundry – until something that should be simple begins to appear horribly complicated. One of the main things which can get complicated is what temperature to wash clothes, it can seem there are so many factors to consider, and different opinions around. At Persil, we want to make doing the laundry simple. We want it to be cost-effective and conscious of the environment, too.

With this in mind, we’ve put together this guide to help you organise your weekly loads of washing, bust cold washing myths and find out the right temperature to wash different types of clothes.   

What are the benefits of washing cold?

Firstly we want to debunk some common myths about cold washing!

Your washing machine will have the option to wash at different temperatures, which can be as low as 20°C, but most machines set their cold water settings on 30°C. Many washing machines have quick wash options, some as quick as 60 minutes. Many people avoid selecting the cold or quick wash cycle on their washing machine, either out of habit or because they’re worried their garments won’t come out clean.

However, there are many benefits of choosing a wash temperature of 30 degrees. These include:

Saving energy and being more cost-effective – By washing at 30 degrees, you can save up to 60% energy* and help reduce your household bills.
Helping your clothes stay vibrant and last longer - Washing with a warm water temperature − on cycles at 40°C or higher – is more suitable for heavy soiling, but can come with a few downsides such as colours fading and shrinking fabrics. Washing at 30 degrees can help keep your colours vibrant an minimise shrinking.
While this saving on energy and money is huge, it is unlikely that you will notice a difference in cleaning power with Persil liquids, which are effective at removing stains in quick and cold washes. It’s a win win.

What is the right temperature to wash clothes and towels?

The golden rule, before you start any load of laundry, is to check the care labels on all your clothes. This will give you an idea of the absolute maximum temperature you can wash your garments, and help you avoid disaster if you haven’t correctly identified the fabric on sight.

Here are some general guidelines to help:

Everyday lightly soiled clothes – for most garments you’ve worn in everyday life which simply need a refresh, it’s not necessary to wash at high temperatures or for longer than 60 minutes. We would recommend a cold wash at 30 degrees or lower, to keep your clothes clean and fresh, while caring for your clothes too. Using a washing detergent which is effective in quick or cold washes, like Persil liquids, would be suitable.
The same goes for jeans. As long as your jeans aren’t truly filthy, cleaning denim at a cold temperature (washing at 30 degrees or lower), and for as little time as possible, will help them last longer and look better.
Bright and dark colours prefer quick and cold washes. Higher temperatures encourage the loss of dye and fade black and bright clothes by opening up the fibres, so a cold wash is your best bet. Washing your garments on 30°C temperatures will help to protect colours from running. For your brights and darks we specifically recommend using Persil Colour Protect liquid, which removes stains at 30 degrees and is specifically designed to keep your colours vibrant.
Woollen clothes usually need a low temperature, gentle cycle, and mild detergent - Technically, wool doesn’t shrink in a hot wash; it ‘felts’. Like most animal hair, individual wool strands have cuticle scales. Once the sheep are shorn, the process of turning the raw wool into a jumper or cardigan lifts these scales, creating tiny ridges on the fibres that leave them vulnerable to snagging and becoming tangled with each other, fusing. Heat and agitation exacerbate the problem, causing your woollen clothes to shrink in a hot wash as the fibres cling tighter together. It’s best to think of wool as you would your own hair: a gentle, cool wash will keep it at its best. Try Persil Silk and Wool  for best results.
Clothes with tough stains: think mud and pasta sauce! - if your garments have stains such as mud or pasta sauce you still don’t need to immediately raise the temperature of your wash! In fact, Persil liquids removes these tough stains even at 30 degrees. If your clothes are heavily soiled, it may sometimes be necessary to wash at warmer temperatures for effective results, or if you have extremely stubborn stains, we recommend using a bleach containing powder such as Persil Bio.
Bedding and towels - We spend a lot of time in contact with towels and sheets, so they tend to become heavily soiled quite quickly. Towels and sheets, along with any clothes that an ill person has been wearing, should be washed at a fairly warm temperature to kill bacteria and potential mould. A good temperature for washing towels and sheets is 40 degrees, but a 60 degree wash will be better at killing germs. Changing your sheets and towels once a week can help to keep them fresh and clean**.
Use our laundry tips section for guidelines on different fabrics. We have a wealth of information on washing different stains, and on caring for different fabrics here on the Persil site. Our page on interpreting wash care symbols is a great place to start.

And finally, once you know which temperature you need to use, just follow these steps:

Sort any delicates (wool, silk, or embellished or embroidered fabrics) into a pile for special handling. Follow manufacturers’ instructions for the right cycle to choose, and use a detergent such as Persil liquids. You can use a specialist detergent like Persil Silk & Wool for delicates.
Divide the remaining clothes into piles of similar colours and according to how heavily soiled they are.
Pre-treat and wash stained or heavily soiled garments separately from other garments, making sure to follow the advice on the care label.
Choose your temperature. Remember, high temperatures aren’t always necessary: washing at 30 degrees is generally very effective and saves up to 60% energy*. Persil liquids also removes tough stains first time in a quick or cold wash, so there’s often no need to go higher than 40 degrees. Washing at 30 degrees or on a quick wash cycle for 60 minutes is effective and much better for the environment, and costs less per cycle in terms of energy than a hotter wash.

Happy cold-washing!

*From 60⁰C cotton cycle to 30⁰C eco.

** https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/how-to-prevent-germs-from-spreading/

FacebookTwitter

How to wash towels and keep them fluffy

Women holding pile of towels (Image credit: Shutterstock)

We all enjoy the feeling of stepping out of the shower into a plush, bath towel to keep us cozy. But, once they start losing their softness, and become scratchy on the skin, you’ll need to know how to wash towels and keep them fluffy.

Often, our laundry habits can cause damage to the towel fibers, reducing their absorbency and softness over time. The simple task of knowing how to wash towels the right way will ensure they remain soft and fluffy for long. You don’t want to spend a fortune on Egyptian cotton towels, only to ruin them on laundry day.

So before you make this biggest laundry mistake, here’s how to wash towels and keep them fluffy for the longest time.

Plus, if you want to speed up laundry day, these laundry hacks will make your life easier and the 7 reasons you should use vinegar in your washing machine. Also, did you know that this is the cheapest time to do your laundry?

1. Separate towels from other laundry

Loading white towels into washing machine (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Always wash towels separately from other laundry items to avoid the risk of color run or fibers transferring to your expensive towels. Similarly, wash colored towels with similar shades.

TIP: Never wash brand new towels with old ones to avoid any color run between the fabrics.

2. Don’t overload your machine

Packed washing machine with white towels (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Don’t overfill the washing machine, as thick or large-sized towels need ample space to move around the drum. This will ensure a proper clean, rinse and ventilation. If you pack too many towels inside, this can result in moisture pockets throughout the fabrics, which can lead to scratchy and stiff towels.

TIP: Always wash brand new bath towels before using them. New towels are often coated with silicone or other finishes that block absorbency. So washing before use will removes any fabric coatings, and allow the best absorbency.

3. Use the correct amount of detergent

Pouring laundry detergent (Image credit: Shutterstock)

While you may think that adding a little extra will make your towels cleaner, always stick to the right amount of washing detergent. If you use excess detergent, this starts to build up soapy residue that can make the towels less absorbent and stiff. Experts recommend using about half the suggested amount of detergent when washing towels to keep them soft and fluffy.

TIP: Never use bleach-based products, even for removing stains. Not only can this fade the colors but destroy the fabric, making it lose its softness.

4. Skip the fabric conditioner

Adding white vinegar into laundry tray (Image credit: Shutterstock)

We all want our laundry to smell fragrant after washing, but you shouldn't use fabric conditioner when washing towels. Similar to detergent, fabric conditioner contains oils and other chemicals causing a waxy build-up, reducing absorbency and softness. Instead, you can add ½ to one cup of white vinegar during the final rinse cycle. Distilled white vinegar is a great, natural fabric softener and will remove soapy residue on laundry.

TIP: If you want your towels to smell fresh, add a few drops of essential oils to the vinegar, like peppermint or lavender.

5. Wash at the right temperature

Setting washing cycle temperature (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Always read the care labels on towels and check for specific washing temperature before throwing them into the machine. The ideal temperature to wash towels is around 40 degrees to ensure your towels stay fresh and feeling soft for longer. But a 60 degree wash will be better at killing germs and bacteria. If possible, use a cycle specifically for towels or a normal/regular cycle is just as good.

TIP: Try to alternate between a 40-degree and 60-degree wash to ensure your towel is thoroughly clean and germ-free. That way you're not washing towels on hot all the time, which may ruin the fabric and feel.

6. Give the towels a shake

Pile of towels (Image credit: Shutterstock)

It may seem simple but giving your towels a good shake before and after washing can make all the difference to the softness. By shaking them out before washing, this will open up the fibers more, to allow the detergent to reach every spot, giving them an effective clean. Shake again at the end of the drying cycle or before hanging them out to dry. This will loosen the fibers, and make the towels soft and fluffy.

TIP: Never dry towels on radiators. The harsh heat will create a rough finish to your towels and make them stiff.

How often should you wash your bath towels?

Towels stored in bathroom (Image credit: Shutterstock)

The general rule of thumb is to wash bath towels (or change to a fresh one) at least once a week. This will prevent any germs or bacteria growing on your towel, and is more hygienic. After washing a towel, always let it fully dry before using again.

When should you buy new towels?

If you have scratchy or non-absorbent towels, you’re probably best to throw those out. After all, they won’t dry properly and won’t feel super soft. Experts suggest you should buy new towels every two years.

If you want more laundry tips, check out how to clean a washing machine for best performance. Or else you’ll end up wondering how to fix a shaky washing machine from wear and tear. If you do need to change or upgrade your washing machine though, be sure to check out the best washing machines or decide whether front load or top load would be suitable for your household.

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors

Cynthia Lawrence specialises in Homes ecommerce, covering all things homes and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features.

Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.

With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!

How to wash towels | Helpful Hints

Have you noticed that after washing your towels become hard and lose their former brightness? In this article, you will learn a few secrets on how to wash towels so that they stay soft for a long time.

A terry towel will regain its pleasant smell and retain its brightness when washed with baking soda, ammonia and laundry soap.

How to wash towels: machine wash

The main reason is the wrong choice of detergents, hard water, improper washing and drying. There are several important rules for washing towels. It is important to know how to bleach towels and what is the best laundry detergent to use.

Important! Before washing, carefully read the care instructions on the label of the towel.

Never use detergent. The fabric of a terry towel consists of many loops of villi. Detergent particles can get stuck and stiffen the fabric. Use a liquid powder such as OMO.
Add some mild baking soda to your detergent to keep the product bright. You can also use detergents for colored laundry.
How to bleach towels. If the towel is very dirty, we recommend that you first remove the stains with laundry soap. Rub the stain with soap, leave for 30-40 minutes, then rinse and put in the machine. If soap does not help, try moistening the stain with ammonia. However, be careful - this method can rub off the paint, so be sure to test on a small area before using. Do not use bleach - towels will become hard.
Always separate white towels from colored towels and do not wash them together to avoid staining in the machine.
Wash towels in a mesh bag so that they do not come into contact with the washer drum. When rubbing against the drum, they can stretch out and fall off.
Choose the right mode for washing towels. To keep your towels soft and fluffy, do not wash them on a water saver setting.
At what temperature should towels be washed? It is not recommended to wash terry towels at very high speeds. The optimum washing temperature is 30-40 °C. Can be washed at 60°C as long as there is no prohibition on the label.
Do not overload the machine with laundry. We recommend filling the drum to a maximum of 2/3 so that the bearing does not wear out prematurely.

Once you've washed and bleached your towels, it's important to dry them properly. Drying terry towels is best in the fresh air and in the shade - in the bright sun they can fade and become hard. To make towels fluff better, soak them in salted water for 30 minutes before drying, rinse well and wring out gently.

How to wash towels: hand wash

Mini-survey

Have any new types of dirt/stains appeared on your clothes during the lockdown?

Yes, new types of spots were encountered

There were few new types of spots

No, there were no new types of spots

Some people 900 02 they fear that after washing in the washing machine, terry towels will no longer be as pleasant to the touch and fluffy as before. Therefore, in our article we will talk about the old reliable method of how to wash terry towels by hand.

Washing of towels manually: Instruction

You will need:

Deep basin (if not, you can wash it directly in the bath)
Liquid detergent, for example OMO
9000 9% 9% URSUSS
Salt

Step-by-step instructions:

Fill a container suitable for washing with warm water. Dissolve the detergent to create lather.
Add vinegar to soften water (200 ml per 10 liters of water).
Soak terry towels in this solution for 40 minutes.
After soaking, drain the soap solution and rinse the towel under running water.
Rinse the container thoroughly and refill it with clean, warm water.
Dissolve a few tablespoons of salt in water. This will restore softness to the towel and make it fluffy.
Rinse towel in saline solution.
Drain and wring out the fabric.
Hang towels to dry outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

In our article, you learned how to wash towels so that they stay soft and bright for a long time. for many years.

Key Points

Useful tips on how to wash terry towels to keep them soft and shiny:

Secrets for the conservation of softness and brightness of towels
Basic rules for washing towels in the typewriter
Hand -wash instructions
Basic Troubles of Trush Tricks

9000 9000

Ways to soften water

Choosing the right wash
Ways to bleach towels

How to wash terry towels so that they are soft

If the terry towel becomes hard after washing, it means that the washing rules have been violated. Don't worry, there is a way out. From the article you will learn how to properly wash terry towels so that they retain their softness and color. You will also learn how to restore the original appearance of washed products.

Which modes are suitable for washing towels

If you load towels into the washer, fill in the usual detergent and set the fast program, you will pull out hard and poorly washed items.

What affects the quality of washing

Looking at the surface of a terry cloth product through a magnifying glass, you can see hundreds of eyelets. They give softness, good water permeability to products. A new towel always quickly absorbs moisture, while a washed one only scratches the skin. Due to improper care, the fabric is damaged. This is facilitated by:

Hard water. The high content of salts leads to the fact that they settle on the surface of the fabric. Mahra sticks together, becomes stiff and scratches the skin.
Unsuitable powder. For terry products, as well as for delicate, woolen fabrics, a special liquid agent is required.
Invalid mode. The further type of product depends on the program on which the washing is carried out. High temperature (boiling) and high spin speed lead to loss of fabric quality.
Drying in the open sun or near a heat source. As a result, the fabric dries out and becomes stiff.
Wrong ironing mode. Only steaming is allowed, not dry ironing.

How to wash a towel at home?

Which wash cycle to use

First, separate the white towels from the colored ones. Choose a standard program with a full cycle: it involves the use of a large amount of water, which reduces friction between products. It is advisable to install an additional spin. At what temperature to wash? Not higher than 60 degrees for white towels, and 40 degrees for colored ones. The latter are subject to molting, so it is better not to take risks and keep the color of the product.

Heavily soiled garments can be washed by soaking in soapy water overnight.

You can use balls with pimples to “break” the terry.

Spin

Spin power should not exceed 500 revolutions. When you select the delicate washing mode, the spin cycle runs at the minimum speed, but you can turn it off altogether. Then be sure to dry the product in the fresh air, otherwise it will rot.

How to wash terry towels

Use liquid bottled powders or disposable soap nuts that are tossed into the drum.

To maintain softness, use folk remedies:

Salt has softening properties. Add three tablespoons to the compartment of the dispenser tray, or dilute the salt in a container of water and pour into the tank.
Add 3% or 9% vinegar to the dispenser section. When washing by hand, add vinegar directly to the tub or basin.
Soda softens fibers. Pour three or four tablespoons into the powder compartment. So does baking soda and vinegar.

You can use a silicone based rinse aid. The cleaning filter will help to constantly soften the water: good quality water will flow into the washing machine, then less detergent will be needed.

How to soften towels after washing

To make rough towels soft after washing, leave them to soak overnight in warm water. Then squeeze lightly and dry. Another option is to soften towels: after washing, soak the products in water with salt for several hours.

You can always renew and refresh terry products. But it is better not to bring things to a deplorable state.

How to dry towels

It's best to do it outdoors. Try to avoid direct sun, otherwise the fabric will dry out and become stiff. Ideal - outdoors in the shade. You can install a dryer on the balcony and hang towels there, or just spread it on the surface - but then a cotton cloth is placed under the bottom.

Care instructions

Do not put towels together with other dirty things, the fabric quickly absorbs odors.