In today’s nationwide fitness wave, sports towels, as the closest “partner” of every athlete, have a direct impact on the health and exercise experience of users due to their hygiene condition. However, a commonly overlooked issue is that a large number of sports towels, due to improper cleaning and care methods, are quietly becoming breeding grounds for bacteria and low performance “chicken ribs”. To this end, our reporter interviewed several experts in the fields of textile care and sports health, and jointly launched a detailed “Scientific Care Guide for Sports Towels“, aiming to awaken public awareness of care, keep the sports towels in their hands refreshed, and build the first line of defense for health and fitness.
Step 1: Immediate treatment after exercise to cut off the “lifeline” of bacteria.
After exercise, towels soaked in sweat should not be crumpled up and stuffed into an airtight fitness bag. Sweat is a mixture of protein, oil, and inorganic salts, providing a perfect culture medium for microorganisms, “emphasized Professor Zhang Jian from the Institute of Environment at the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention.” When towels are stored in a humid environment for more than an hour, the number of bacteria can increase exponentially, which is the fundamental reason for the stubborn odor
The correct approach is to gently shake off the dust from the towel before leaving the sports field and hang it in a well ventilated area as much as possible to allow it to dry quickly. This step is the most critical step in preventing odors and bacterial growth.
Step 2: Symptomatic pre-treatment before cleaning, natural materials show miraculous effects.
For towels that have already produced slight odors or stubborn sweat stains, pre-treatment before cleaning is crucial and does not require the use of strong chemical cleaners.
We recommend using natural white vinegar or baking soda, “Dr. Li Wei recommended two common household items.” The acetic acid in white vinegar can effectively decompose protein and soap residue in sweat stains, while baking soda has good adsorption and weak alkaline cleaning ability. “The specific method is to add about one cup (250 milliliters) of edible white vinegar to a basin of cold water, or dissolve two tablespoons of baking soda in warm water and soak a towel for more than 30 minutes. This can soften dirt, neutralize odors, and prepare adequately for machine washing.
Step 3: Precise setting of machine washing program, with hot water washing as the core.
Entering the washing machine cleaning stage requires careful parameter settings.
Water temperature: It is necessary to choose a hot water program between 40 ℃ and 60 ℃. Hot water can more effectively dissolve the oil in sweat and kill most bacteria and mites.
Detergent: Use regular neutral or mild laundry detergent to avoid excessive use.
Key prohibition: The use of any form of fabric softener or fragrance beads is strictly prohibited throughout the entire process. If you want the towel to be more fluffy and soft after washing, you can add a small amount of white vinegar (about 50 milliliters) in the final rinsing process to neutralize residual alkali solution, which is far more effective than chemical softeners.
Step 4: Air dry thoroughly, sunlight is the best disinfectant.
After cleaning, the towel should be immediately taken out and dried to avoid being left in the washing machine.
The ultraviolet rays in sunlight are a natural, efficient, and cost free disinfectant, “said Professor Zhang Jian.” Towels should be fully unfolded and hung in a well ventilated area that can receive sunlight. However, it should be noted that prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause some fibers to become brittle, so they can be collected in hot weather. Ensuring that towels are 100% dry before storage is the last resort to preventing mold growth
Monthly deep care: Conduct a comprehensive “detoxification” for towels
In addition to daily care, experts also recommend deep cleaning of exercise towels once a month, especially for towels that are frequently used.
The method is to put the towel into the washing machine, select the highest water temperature program (ensuring that the towel material can withstand it), add one cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar, and run a complete washing cycle. This “soda vinegar” collaborative cleaning method can penetrate deep into fibers, remove residues and mineral deposits that cannot be taken away by daily cleaning, fundamentally restore the original water absorption and fluffiness of towels, and significantly extend their service life.
Conclusion: Small towels, great health
A clean, absorbent, and soft sports towel is not only a guarantee for the sports experience, but also an important part of personal hygiene. Ms. Wang Li, spokesperson for the Healthy Living Alliance, summarized, “We call on sports enthusiasts to pay attention to the care of sports towels, just like they pay attention to the performance of sports equipment. By investing a small amount of time and correct knowledge, this ordinary towel can become a reliable and comfortable component of your healthy lifestyle
Scientific nursing is not only about cherishing objects, but also about taking responsibility for one’s own health. Starting today, start cleaning and taking care of your workout towels correctly, making them a reliable assistant on your path to health and fitness.
Post time: Nov-30-2025