leisurely moments at the beach or by the pool have become a regular part of many people’s lives—and beach towels have consequently entered a “high-frequency use period”. However, a survey by our reporter found that over 70% of consumers are unaware of professional beach towel care methods, leading many towels to fade, harden, or lose water absorption after just one or two summer seasons. Recently, home textile industry experts and laundry experts jointly released the “Scientific Beach Towel Care Manual”, revealing practical tips to keep towels in “like-new” condition for years.
Step 1: Read the Label – The “Care Manual” Ignored by 90% of People
“Many people use new towels directly after purchasing them, only to find shrinkage or fading after washing. The problem actually lies in not reading the care label,” after-sales director of a well-known home textile brand, emphasized in an interview. He noted that the symbols on the label contain key information: if a towel marked “cold water wash” is washed in hot water, its fiber elasticity will decrease by 30%; colored towels labeled “no chlorine bleach” may lose their original luster instantly upon contact with bleach.
Expert Tip: Before first use, soak the towel in cold water with a small amount of salt for 20 minutes to lock in color and reduce subsequent fading.
Step 2：Key Pre-Wash Steps: Removing Sand and Pre-Treating Stains
Beach towels easily trap sand, and throwing them directly into the washing machine not only scratches the drum but also embeds sand particles into the fibers, making the towel rough. The correct approach is: after returning from the beach, shake the towel vigorously outdoors or over a bathroom drain to remove surface sand; if there is residual sand in the gaps, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush before rinsing.
Stubborn stains from sunscreen, fruit juice, etc., require targeted treatment: for oil-based stains, apply neutral laundry detergent directly and let it sit for 1 hour; for fruit stains, wipe with a mixture of white vinegar and water in a 1:3 ratio, and avoid direct sunlight which can set the stain. Ms. Li, a resident, shared her experience: “Last time I took my child to the beach, the towel got mango juice on it. After treating it with this method, there was no trace left at all.”
Step 3：Optimal Washing and Drying Practices
The core of washing lies in the “three separation principles”: separate by color (isolate dark and light colors), separate by material (wash with similar fabrics like bath towels, avoid mixing with rough items like jeans), and separate by dirt level (pre-wash heavily sand-stained towels separately). recommends using the normal wash cycle with 30℃ warm water: “Cold water lacks cleaning power, while hot water easily damages the fiber structure.”
High-temperature and prolonged drying is the biggest taboo for drying. When using a dryer, select the low-temperature setting and add 2-3 wool dryer balls (or clean tennis balls) to reduce tangling and enhance fluffiness. For a more eco-friendly option, air-drying on a clothesline works well—hang the towel in a ventilated, shaded area, then place it in the sun for 10 minutes to sterilize after drying. This protects the color while maintaining softness.
Avoidance Tip: Do not use fabric softener! Its residue forms a film on the fiber surface, reducing the towel’s water absorption capacity by more than 50%.
Step 4：Creative Storage: Merging Function with Home Aesthetics
- Proper storage is also key to extending towel life. Ensure towels are completely dry before storing to prevent mildew and odors.
- Open Storage: Rolling towels tightly and standing them upright in a breathable storage basket, or coordinating them by color/pattern on open shelves, creates a tidy, accessible, and stylish display.
- Hanging Display: Drying vibrant beach towels on decorative hooks or elegant racks not only promotes air circulation but also adds a resort-like touch to the bathroom space.
Closed Storage: For storage in cupboards or closets, fold or roll towels uniformly. Placing silica gel desiccant packets between folds can help absorb ambient moisture, ensuring towels stay fresh.
“A quality beach towel is the perfect companion for summer fun. With the right care and storage, you can not only keep it looking and feeling like new, ready for the next adventure, but also transform it into part of your home decor, enhancing daily living,”
Post time: Nov-20-2025