You unbox a fresh set of towels, they look perfect, and the temptation is to hang them straight up and use them tonight. Most of us have been told to wash them first, but is that actually necessary, or just a habit?
Short answer: yes, wash new towels before the first use. Here is why it matters, and how to do that first wash so your towels end up softer and more absorbent, not less.
Why new towels need a wash first
Towels travel a long way before they reach your bathroom. They are woven, dyed, finished, folded, packed and stored, and each step can leave something behind.
- Finishing residue. Mills often apply softening or finishing agents so towels feel smooth on the shelf. That coating can make a brand new towel feel soft but behave like it is repelling water.
- Loose fibres. Cotton towels shed some surface lint in the first few washes. It is normal and settles down quickly.
- Dust and handling. Packing, shipping and storage mean your towels have been handled more than you might expect.
- Excess dye. Coloured towels can release a little loose dye in early washes.
A first wash clears most of this away and lets the cotton start doing its job.
Why new towels sometimes feel less absorbent
This is one of the most common surprises. You bought a thick, premium towel, yet it seems to push water around instead of soaking it up. In most cases the cause is residue sitting on the fibres, not the quality of the cotton.
After a wash or two, the fibres open up and absorbency improves noticeably. If your towels still feel slick after several washes, the next section is the likely culprit.
How to do the first wash properly
1. Check the care label
Follow the instructions that come with your set. They take priority over any general advice, including this article.
2. Wash colours separately
Wash new coloured towels on their own or with similar shades. Keep whites away from deeper colours such as navy or burgundy, at least for the first wash or two.
3. Use a mild detergent, and not too much
More detergent does not mean cleaner towels. Excess detergent can stay in the fabric and leave towels feeling stiff. Use the recommended amount for your load size.
4. Skip the fabric softener
This is the one most people get wrong. Fabric softener works by coating fibres, and on towels that coating can reduce absorbency over time. If you want softer towels, a half cup of white vinegar in the rinse is a common alternative.
5. Do not overload the machine
Towels need room to move so water and detergent can rinse out fully. A drum packed tight leaves residue behind.
6. Dry thoroughly
Dry fully in the sun or on a low to medium tumble setting. In humid weather, make sure towels are completely dry before folding, because damp towels can develop a musty smell. For more on that, see our article on how to care for your towels.
Common mistakes with brand new towels
- Using them straight from the pack for a first shower.
- Washing a new dark towel with white laundry.
- Adding fabric softener to "make them fluffier".
- Washing at a very high temperature when the label does not call for it.
- Worrying about lint after one wash. Some shedding in the first few washes is normal for cotton.
Does towel weight change how you wash?
Heavier towels hold more water, so they take longer to dry and benefit from a little extra space in the machine. If you are not sure which weight suits your home, our GSM guide for Indian homes explains the difference in plain language.
At Willow & Fern, our cotton towel sets come in two weights. The 550 GSM towel sets are a good everyday option, while the 700 GSM towel sets are plusher and heavier. Whichever you choose, the first-wash routine above applies.
A simple first-wash checklist
- Read the care label.
- Wash on their own or with similar colours.
- Use a measured amount of mild detergent.
- Leave out the fabric softener.
- Rinse well and dry completely.
- Repeat the wash once more if they still feel slick.
Ready to refresh your towels?
If your current towels have lost their absorbency and no amount of washing brings it back, it may be time for a fresh set. Our White Premium Textured 550 GSM Cotton Towel Set is a clean, classic place to start, and you can browse every option in our bath towel sets collection.
Whatever you pick, give it that first wash and your towels will be ready to perform from day one.