Fresh towels and bed linen are not just an aesthetic detail—they are a symbol of hygiene, comfort, and a positive impression. Whether you’re equipping your own home, an apartment for tourists, or providing accommodation services, clean and fragrant bed linen leaves the strongest impression on guests. Often, it’s precisely the scent and softness of the fabrics that become the first association with the quality of the accommodation and the professionalism of the host.
If you’ve ever wondered why some towels become stiff and lifeless over time or why bed linen loses that recognizable fresh scent, the good news is that with proper care, these problems can be avoided. In this guide, we share a detailed overview of proven tips and tricks to help your textiles stay fresh, soft, and bright for longer.
How often should you wash towels and bed linen?
Depending on how you use them and the type of accommodation, the recommendations are as follows:
- Family households: towels every 3–4 days, bed linen once a week.
- Tourist apartments and rentals: always wash towels and bed linen after each guest, no exceptions.
- Wellness and beauty centers: towels often come into contact with oils and cosmetics and should be washed after every use.
Regular washing not only ensures freshness but also removes bacteria, dust mites, and accumulated odors that are invisible to the eye.
Temperature and the right washing cycle
One of the biggest mistakes is washing exclusively at low temperatures. Although this is more economical, such washing doesn’t destroy bacteria or fungi. The ideal temperature for white cotton fabrics is 60 °C, while colored items can be washed at 40 °C, but with the addition of antibacterial agents or natural disinfectants like vinegar.
If you are washing heavily soiled towels (e.g., after the beach, pool, or cosmetic treatments), it is recommended to run an extra pre-wash or rinse cycle to prevent detergent residue from building up.
The right amount of detergent and softener
Many people think that more detergent means better washing, but this is a common myth. Using too much detergent leaves a sticky layer in the fibers, which traps unpleasant odors and makes the fabric stiff. If you notice that your towels are losing absorbency and becoming rough, this is often the reason.
Tip:
- Use the amount of detergent recommended by the manufacturer.
- Occasionally wash without fabric softener, just adding a little vinegar.
- If you have hard water, consider using a washing machine conditioner to prevent limescale buildup.
Refreshing with natural methods
Over time, towels and bed linen can develop a musty smell, especially if they don’t dry quickly enough. Here are a few natural tricks for refreshing them:
- Vinegar: add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle—it neutralizes odors and softens the fibers.
- Baking soda: half a cup added during washing helps remove stubborn dirt and smells.
- Essential oils: a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil in the softener compartment provide a long-lasting fresh scent.
These methods are gentler on the skin and the environment and are suitable for all types of cotton and microfiber.
Drying—key to freshness
If you want to prevent unpleasant odors and keep everything soft, towels and bed linen should be dried immediately after washing. Never leave them in the washing machine for too long—damp conditions encourage bacteria and mildew growth.
Ideal drying:
- Outdoors in fresh air, in the shade.
- If using a dryer, select the cotton or gentle drying program.
- Avoid overdrying—prolonged heat damages the fibers and shortens their lifespan.
For extra softness, you can use dryer balls, which help separate the fabric and reduce wrinkling.
Tips for storage
When your textiles are perfectly clean and dry, proper storage is just as important:
- Store towels and bed linen in a dry, well-ventilated place.
- If you are closing the closet for a longer period, place lavender or cedar sachets inside.
- Avoid plastic bags or containers that trap moisture.
If you have apartments or rental properties, it’s recommended to keep prepared sets folded and protected with a light cotton cover.
Deep cleaning for stubborn stains and odors
If your towels or bed linen have lost their freshness, try deep cleaning:
- Wash at a high temperature with only vinegar.
- Immediately wash again using only baking soda.
- Dry thoroughly outdoors or in a dryer.
This process removes residues of softener and detergent while destroying bacteria.
When is it time to replace them?
Even the highest-quality towels will last 1–2 years of daily use, while bed linen can last longer with careful care. If you notice the fibers becoming thin, colors fading, or smells persisting, it’s time to refresh your stock.
Professional washing and ironing
If you want to save time and energy, professional laundries offer washing, drying, and ironing with controlled temperatures and special disinfection programs. This keeps your textiles perfectly clean and soft—without any risk of damage.
At our laundry, we use eco-friendly detergents and programs adapted to the type of fabric, so you can be sure your textiles are in the best hands.
Additional service for hosts and professionals—rental of bed linen and towels
If you don’t want to invest in large quantities of textiles or you have a seasonal business, renting bed linen and towels is the perfect solution. You get professionally washed, fresh, and ironed textiles delivered at an agreed time. After use, we collect them and wash them again—simple, fast, and stress-free.
Learn more about the rental service on our website https://www.iwash-uwash.com/en/linen-rental/
This service is ideal for:
✔️ Apartments and holiday homes
✔️ Small hotels and villas
✔️ Wellness centers and salons
This way, you save time, money, and storage space. Towels and bed linen are the details that leave the strongest impression—both at home and in professional accommodation. With proper care, you’ll ensure long-lasting freshness, softness, and that clean white look. If you want extra peace of mind and top-quality results, our team is here to provide professional washing and rental services.
Your textiles are our concern—so you can focus on your guests and enjoy a smoother season.