How to Wash Blankets and Towels to Keep Them Clean, Soft, and Germ-Free
Blankets and towels are household essentials that come into direct contact with the body almost every day. Although they may look clean, both can accumulate sweat, natural skin oils, dust, dead skin cells, bacteria, and dust mites if they are not washed regularly.
Unfortunately, many people only wash blankets and towels when they begin to smell or look dull. In fact, this habit can reduce the quality of the fabric while increasing the risk of health problems such as skin irritation, allergies, and unpleasant odors that are difficult to remove.
Through this article, you will learn the correct way to wash blankets and towels, the ideal washing frequency, common mistakes to avoid, and practical solutions to keep your laundry clean, soft, and germ-free.
Why Should Blankets and Towels Be Washed Regularly?
Towels are used to absorb water after bathing, which means they are often left damp. A damp environment is an ideal place for bacteria, mold, and microorganisms to grow.
Meanwhile, blankets are used for extended periods every night. During use, blankets absorb sweat, dust, body oils, hair, and dust mites that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
If they are not washed regularly, several problems may occur:
Musty odors that are difficult to eliminate.
Growth of bacteria and mold.
Allergies caused by dust mites and dust.
Increased risk of skin irritation.
Fabric fibers becoming damaged more quickly due to accumulated dirt.
Therefore, keeping blankets and towels clean is not only about comfort but also an important part of maintaining your family's health.
How Often Should You Wash Blankets and Towels?
The washing frequency should be adjusted according to how often they are used.
1. Towels
Ideally, towels should be washed after 3–4 uses or approximately once a week. If they are used after exercising or are frequently kept in a humid environment, they should be washed more often.
2. Blankets
For everyday use, blankets should ideally be washed at least once a month.
However, if they are:
Used by babies or children.
Used by people with allergies such as eczema.
Used during hot weather when they are frequently exposed to sweat.
Then they can be washed once every two weeks. The more regularly they are washed, the lower the likelihood of bacteria, dust mites, and unpleasant odors developing in the fabric.
How to Wash Towels Properly to Keep Them Soft
Towels that are initially soft often become rough after several washes. The cause is not only the quality of the towel but also the way it is washed.
1. Wash Separately from Other Clothes
Towels should ideally be washed separately from everyday clothing. Zippers, buttons, or accessories on clothing can pull on the towel fibers, causing them to become damaged more quickly.
In addition, washing towels together with heavily soiled clothes can increase the risk of transferring stains and bacteria. By separating the washing process, towels can remain soft, clean, and absorbent for longer.
2. Use High-Quality Detergent
Using a large amount of detergent does not necessarily make laundry cleaner. In fact, detergent residue left on towel fibers can make the fabric feel stiff and reduce its ability to absorb water.
The most important thing is to use a high-quality detergent with an appropriate active surfactant content and pH level.
3. Reduce the Use of Fabric Softener
Fabric softener can provide a soft feel and pleasant fragrance after washing. However, excessive use can leave a coating on towel fibers, reducing their ability to absorb water.
If you want to use fabric softener, it is best to use it only occasionally and in moderate amounts. This helps maintain softness while preserving the towel's primary function as an absorbent material.
4. Use Warm Water
Washing towels with warm water at approximately 40°C is an ideal option. This temperature can help dissolve body oils, soap residue, and dirt more effectively than cold water.
Warm water can also help reduce bacteria without damaging the fabric fibers. Avoid using water that is too hot, as it can cause towels to wear out more quickly and their colors to fade.
5. Dry Until Completely Dry
After washing, make sure towels are completely dry before folding or storing them. Damp towels can become a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and causes of musty odors.
Ideally, dry them in an area with good air circulation or use a dryer at an appropriate temperature. Completely dry towels are more hygienic, fresher, and longer-lasting when used again.
How to Wash Blankets Properly According to Their Material
The size and material of blankets require different treatment compared with ordinary clothing.
1. Check the Care Label
Before washing a blanket, always check the care label provided on the product. Different materials, such as cotton, microfiber, fleece, wool, or down blankets, have different washing instructions.
Some materials are safe to wash in a washing machine, while others require special cleaning methods. Following the care instructions can help maintain the blanket's shape, color, and fiber quality so that it remains durable and comfortable to use.
2. Use a Large-Capacity Washing Machine
Blankets need sufficient space inside the washing machine for the washing process to be effective. If the drum is overloaded, water and detergent cannot reach all parts of the blanket evenly.
As a result, dirt and detergent residue may remain trapped in the fabric fibers. For large blankets, it is best to use a large-capacity washing machine or use a professional laundry service for optimal results.
3. Choose the Appropriate Washing Cycle
Adjust the washing cycle according to the type of blanket material. Blankets made from delicate materials such as wool or fleece should be washed using a Gentle cycle to prevent damage to the fibers.
Meanwhile, cotton or microfiber blankets can generally be washed using a normal cycle. Choosing the correct washing cycle helps maintain the texture, softness, and original shape of the blanket.
4. Rinse More Than Once
After the washing process is complete, perform an additional rinse to ensure that no detergent residue remains trapped in the fabric fibers. Detergent residue can make blankets feel stiff or sticky and may even cause unpleasant odors after drying.
Thorough rinsing also helps maintain the softness and comfort of the blanket. This simple step makes the washing results cleaner and more hygienic.
5. Dry at a Low Temperature
When using a dryer, select a low-temperature setting to prevent damage to the blanket. Excessive heat can cause blankets to shrink, filling to clump together, fibers to become brittle, and colors to fade more quickly.
If possible, dry blankets slowly in a shaded area with good air circulation. This method helps maintain the quality of the material, keeping the blanket soft, durable, and comfortable to use over the long term.
Common Mistakes When Washing Blankets and Towels
Many people unknowingly make the following mistakes:
Overloading the Washing Machine: Excessive loads prevent water and detergent from reaching the entire surface of the fabric. As a result, the laundry may not be thoroughly cleaned.
Using Too Much Detergent: In addition to leaving residue, excessive detergent can cause fabrics to become dull more quickly.
Storing While Damp: Blankets or towels that are not completely dry can become breeding grounds for mold that causes musty odors.
Drying Under Strong Sunlight for Too Long: Excessive exposure to sunlight can accelerate fabric color fading.
Signs That Your Blankets and Towels Need to Be Washed
Do not wait until blankets or towels are visibly dirty before washing them. There are several signs that indicate they need to be cleaned to remain hygienic and comfortable to use.
If you notice any of the following conditions, do not delay washing:
An unpleasant odor appears.
The color looks dull.
The fabric still feels damp even after drying.
Towels are beginning to feel rough.
Blankets feel heavy due to accumulated dust.
Stains or marks appear that are difficult to remove.
The sooner they are washed, the easier it is to maintain the quality of the fabric.
Why Is Professional Laundry the Best Choice?
Washing large blankets and towels at home often requires considerable effort, time, and a large-capacity washing machine. This is especially true when the materials are premium or require special treatment.
Professional laundry services offer several advantages, including:
Large-capacity machines for more effective washing.
Washing processes tailored to the type of material.
Even and thorough drying.
More effective stain treatment.
Sanitization processes that help reduce bacteria and dust mites.
As a result, blankets and towels can become clean, soft, hygienic, and more durable for longer use.
Wash Your Blankets and Towels More Conveniently with aQualis Fabricare
If you want better washing results without the hassle, aQualis Fabricare is ready to help with professional-standard Blanket & Towel Cleaning Services.
Each washing process uses GreenChemical, made from natural ingredients that are gentler on fabric fibers while effectively removing dirt. In addition, AntiBacterial Guard protection is available to help reduce bacteria and maintain overall fabric hygiene.
For premium blankets made from materials such as Tencel and wool, as well as other specialized materials, aQualis Fabricare also provides wet cleaning and green dry cleaning services—cleaning methods designed to care for fabrics without damaging their texture.
You can also enjoy a convenient pick-up and delivery service for a minimum of two items, making the laundry process easier without having to leave your home.
aQualis Fabricare Outlets Available in Various Cities
aQualis Fabricare serves customers across various regions of Indonesia, including:
South Jakarta Laundry
Central Jakarta Laundry
West Jakarta Laundry
East Jakarta Laundry
North Jakarta Laundry
Bogor Laundry
Pick-Up and Delivery Laundry in Depok
Bekasi Laundry
South Tangerang Laundry
Bandung Laundry
Semarang Laundry
Pick-Up and Delivery Laundry in Surabaya
Yogyakarta Laundry
Medan Laundry
Palembang Laundry
Lampung Laundry
Jambi Laundry
Serang Laundry
Pekanbaru Laundry
Balikpapan Laundry
Makassar Laundry (South Sulawesi)
West Nusa Tenggara Laundry
Please visit the aQualis Fabricare outlet locations page to find the nearest branch in your area.
FAQ: Blanket & Towel Cleaning
Do towels need to be washed after every use?
Not necessarily. Bath towels can generally be used 3–4 times before washing, as long as they are properly dried after each use.
Why do towels still smell even after being washed?
This is usually caused by detergent residue, inadequate drying, or storing towels while they are still damp.
Can blankets be washed in a household washing machine?
Yes, as long as the blanket size is suitable for the washing machine's capacity. For large blankets or blankets made from special materials, it is best to use a professional laundry service.
Is fabric softener safe for towels?
It can be used occasionally, but avoid using it too frequently because it can reduce the towel's absorbency.
When should you use a professional laundry service?
Professional laundry is an ideal choice when washing large blankets, premium materials, or when you want a more hygienic, thorough, and convenient cleaning result.
