You know that feeling of wrapping yourself in a hotel towel? So soft, so fluffy, so… different from the scratchy ones at home. Here’s the insider secret: it’s not about buying expensive towels — it’s about how you care for them.
Why Towels Go Flat and Scratchy
That lovely new towel doesn’t stay fluffy forever because of:
- Fabric softener buildup: Yes, the very thing you think helps!
- Detergent residue: Using too much leaves a coating
- Hard water deposits: Minerals cling to fibres
- Heat damage: High dryer temperatures break down fibres
- Overloading: Towels need room to move and rinse properly
The Hotel Secret: Stop Using Fabric Softener
This is the biggest game-changer. Fabric softener coats towel fibres with a waxy residue that:
- Reduces absorbency (towels won’t dry you properly)
- Builds up over time, making towels stiff
- Traps odours in the fibres
The alternative: White vinegar in the rinse cycle. It softens naturally, removes residue, and eliminates odours.
Our Professional Towel Routine
Here’s exactly how we keep 19 on Bloekom towels guest-worthy:
Step 1: Shake Before Washing
A good shake loosens the fibres and removes loose debris.
Step 2: Wash Hot (60°C)
Hot water:
- Kills bacteria and dust mites
- Dissolves body oils better
- Helps detergent work effectively
Step 3: Use Half the Detergent
Seriously — you’re probably using too much. Excess detergent doesn’t rinse out and leaves residue.
Step 4: Add Bicarbonate of Soda
Add 1/2 cup to the wash cycle. It:
- Softens water
- Boosts cleaning power
- Neutralises odours
Step 5: Vinegar Rinse
Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Don’t worry — the smell disappears completely!
Step 6: Dry Properly
- Tumble dry on medium heat (not high!)
- Add a clean tennis ball or dryer balls to fluff fibres
- Remove while slightly damp and shake vigorously
- If line drying, shake well before and after, and bring in before completely bone-dry
The Monthly Deep Clean
Once a month, give towels a reset:
- Wash on HOT with 1 cup white vinegar only (no detergent)
- Run again on HOT with 1/2 cup bicarbonate of soda only
- Dry as normal
This strips all buildup and restores absorbency.
Towel Care Tips
- Wash towels separately: They create lint that sticks to clothes
- Don’t leave damp: Hang to dry between uses to prevent mildew
- Wash every 3-4 uses: Not after every single use (wasteful) but not weekly (unhygienic)
- Replace every 2-3 years: Even well-cared-for towels eventually wear out
Buying Better Towels
When it’s time to replace:
- Weight: 500-700 GSM (grams per square metre) for plush hotel feel
- Material: 100% cotton (Egyptian or Turkish cotton for luxury)
- Weave: Terry cloth for everyday, waffle for quick-drying
South African retailers we recommend: Woolworths, @Home, Sheet Street
Experience Hotel-Quality Towels
Stay at 19 on Bloekom and enjoy perfectly fluffy towels without any of the work. Book your escape today.