The Dryer Setting You Should Use For Fluffy, Spa-Like Towels

There is something satisfying about a fresh, new towel. It's soft, fluffy, and super absorbent. However, depending on the quality of the towel and your care of it, that feeling may not last forever. To prolong the bliss, dry towels on a low to medium heat in the dryer, as recommended for most towels. Never use a high heat setting, which can dry out and damage the fabric.

If your goal is to replicate the plush towels often found in spas and high-end hotels, you'll first need to consider choosing the best material for your bathroom towels. These linens are typically made of 100% Turkish or Egyptian cotton, both of which have long fibers, are highly absorbent, and grow softer over time. They have a weight of 600 to 900 grams per square meter (GSM), meaning they are thicker and denser than standard non-luxury towels, which have a GSM of 400 to 600.

However, you don't need to splurge on luxe towels just to feel pampered. Proper laundering practices can help prevent signs that it's time to replace your old and worn-out bath towels. The best rule is to follow the care instructions on the towel for washer and dryer settings. Those details will supersede any general guidelines. However, the standard recommendation is to choose the dryer's towel setting or use low to medium heat. You should also remove towels as soon as they're dry. Don't take them out or put them away too early, since moist towels can be susceptible to mildew. If your dryer has a moisture sensor, this feature will stop the cycle once the towels are dry. 

Paying attention to the dryer temperature is your best bet for keeping your towels fluffy. But there are other tips to put into practice. Many of us may be accustomed to adding a dryer sheet to the dryer or using fabric softener when doing laundry. However these products may not be doing your towels any favors. These additives contain chemicals that can build up on the towels and lower their absorbency, resulting in stiff and scratchy towels. Instead, insert wool or rubber dryer balls or clean tennis balls to speed up the drying process and soften towels.

Proper care in the washing machine is an essential part of keeping towels spa-worthy. When loading, don't cram too many towels into the washer or else they won't have enough space to move around and get sufficiently cleaned. Although towels shouldn't be dried in high heat, they benefit from being vigorously washed in warm or hot water, which keeps residue from building up on the fibers. But, as with drying, follow the instructions on the towel's label before throwing them in the wash. 

When the wash cycle is done, take the towels out right away. This keep towels smelling fresh and clean and prevents them from getting musty. It's tempting to toss the entire clump of towels into the dryer, but it's good practice to take them out individually. Shake them out so they can dry faster and then put them into the dryer.