At Aiguavista, we believe beauty begins in the everyday: in a sunlit shower, in a soft towel that wraps you gently without rushing. Our towels, made in Portugal with high-quality fabrics like organic linen, linen lyocell, and hemp, are designed to stay with you for a long time. That’s why learning how to wash towels so they stay soft and fresh doesn’t just extend their life—it elevates your daily routine. Here we share our most effective, natural tips for caring for them as they deserve.
Start with Care: How to Wash New Towels
Just like the first swim of the summer, the first wash matters.
How should you wash new towels so they last longer and absorb better?
Wash them on their own, in warm water (between 30 and 40 °C) with a gentle detergent. Avoid fabric softener: natural fibers like linen lyocell or hemp become less absorbent when coated with it.
Take note: how you wash your towels for the first time can make all the difference. This initial step helps the fibers open up and prepare to absorb moisture effectively while maintaining their natural softness.
Mediterranean Freshness: How to Wash Towels in the Washing Machine
Every wash is like a new wave. Quality towels deserve mindful care that respects the beauty of their fibers.
How do you wash towels in the machine without losing softness or color?
Use long cotton cycles—or hygiene cycles if needed—without overloading the drum. For daily use, 40 °C is enough; if you need to disinfect, you can go up to 60 °C without damaging the fabric.
What temperature should towels be washed at?
It depends. More delicate towels, like organic linen, prefer moderate temperatures. Remember: the temperature you choose directly affects softness.
And if you’re wondering which washing program to choose, opt for one that combines intensive washing with an extra rinse to remove all residue.

Lasting Freshness: How to Remove Bad Odors from Towels
Scent is part of the experience. No one wants to wrap themselves in a towel that smells damp—even if it’s freshly washed.
Why do clean towels sometimes smell bad?
Usually due to detergent residue, trapped moisture, or mildew. To remove bad odors from towels, run a wash with only white vinegar and baking soda. It’s natural, effective, and perfect for fabrics like hemp, which tolerate this treatment well.
If you’ve wondered how to eliminate towel odors without damaging the fibers, the solution is simple: vinegar, a good rinse, and air-drying.
Avoid leaving them damp in the washer and, if possible, hang them in the sun. You’ll never again wonder why towels get stiff after washing.
Softness, Naturally: How to Wash Towels So They Stay Fluffy
Softness shouldn’t be temporary. With proper care, a towel keeps embracing you with the same gentleness as the first day.
How do you wash towels so they stay soft and fluffy?
Avoid conventional softeners—they coat the fibers and make them stiff over time. Use white vinegar instead.
Alternate washes with baking soda and use the dryer occasionally on a low setting to fluff the fibers, especially linen lyocell.
If you’re wondering what temperature towels should be washed at, here’s a guide: 40 to 60 °C depending on use and color. Our sustainable towel shades—Duna, Terracotta, Mist, and Agua—are made to maintain their richness wash after wash.
Special Care: How to Wash White Towels and Whiten Them Naturally
To keep white towels as bright as sea foam.
How do you wash white towels without them yellowing?
Use water at 60 °C with baking soda (a gentle, eco-friendly alternative to bleach).
How do you whiten towels?
You don’t need harsh products. One spoonful of baking soda and a long wash cycle are enough.
And if you ever wonder what temperature white towels should be washed at, the answer is between 50 and 60 °C for spotless results.
Frequently Asked Questions, Simple Answers
- What temperature should towels and sheets be washed at together?
If both are natural fibers, 40–60 °C is safe. - Should you use fabric softener on towels?
Better not. Use white vinegar to maintain absorbency. -
How do you wash towels so they don’t smell damp?
Dry them completely and wash them regularly. -
How do you remove mold from towels?
Pre-wash in hot water with vinegar, then run a long wash. -
At what temperature should new towels be washed before first use?
30–40 °C is enough.
Caring for your towels means caring for what matters: rest, connection with natural textures, and the harmony of simplicity.
And at Aiguavista, we believe that every texture and every color—from raw linen to sea green—can make you feel better each day. All it takes is a little attention and conscious care for your towels to keep wrapping you in their timeless softness… with the soul of the Mediterranean.
Ready to turn every bath into a ritual?
