Good towel care starts with the label, not with the hottest programme available. Cotton towels can have different finishes, colours and instructions. Use the guidance for your actual towel and build a routine that leaves it clean and fully dry between uses.
The published care instructions for TERRY
The current descriptions of Loom’s TERRY towel sets state:
- Machine wash at 40°C.
- Tumble dry on low heat.
- Ironing is not necessary.
- Always follow the care label on each towel.
These are the instructions for the products described here, not a rule for every cotton towel. If the sewn-in label on your item differs, follow it and contact us if you need clarification. Do not automatically switch TERRY to 60°C or 90°C because another towel allows that temperature.
Before the wash
Read the label before first use and follow any first-wash directions. Separate colours according to their instructions and avoid combining items with incompatible care requirements. For example, a wool blanket with a dry-cleaning recommendation does not belong in the same routine as your cotton towels.
Check pockets and fastenings on other laundry so that sharp objects do not catch the terry loops. Follow your machine’s capacity guidance for the chosen programme.
Measure detergent instead of guessing
Use the amount recommended on the detergent packaging for your water hardness, load and level of soiling. Adding extra detergent is not a reliable shortcut to cleaner or softer towels. If you do not know the local water hardness, ask your water supplier and use the dosing table.
GINETEX and its partners recommend following detergent dosage instructions, which vary with water hardness and soiling. Keep this separate from the towel’s temperature instructions: both pieces of information matter.
Should you use fabric softener?
Fabric softeners can reduce water absorbency in cotton fabrics. If absorbing water is the priority, leaving softener out is a sensible starting point. Do not assume a stronger fragrance means that the towel is cleaner.
A towel that feels different after washing does not automatically need more products. First check the label, detergent dose, rinsing and drying routine. Avoid adding vinegar, bleach or other treatments unless they are compatible with the product instructions.
Dry towels completely
For TERRY, the published tumble-drying recommendation is low heat. Follow the actual label and your machine’s instructions rather than selecting a hotter setting to finish sooner.
Between uses, open the towel out on a rail so air can circulate. Let it dry fully before folding it onto a shelf or closing it in a laundry bag. If you air-dry after washing, spread it out and check that the folds are dry as well.
Build a routine that suits your bathroom
Keep a clean spare available while another towel is being washed. How often you need a change depends on use, drying conditions and household needs; there is no single schedule that fits everyone.
If you are choosing a new set, our bath towel buying guide explains the contents of TERRY’s three-piece and four-piece sets. For fabric weight, read what 600 GSM means.
Frequently asked questions
Can all cotton towels be washed at 60°C?
No. The fibre name alone is not permission to choose that temperature. TERRY’s current descriptions state 40°C; follow your item’s label.
Should I iron TERRY towels?
The product descriptions state that ironing is not necessary.
Is low heat the same as any dryer programme?
No. Choose a setting compatible with the towel’s label and the dryer’s instructions.
Sources and further reading: GINETEX care-label guidance, joint detergent-dosing tips, and research on fabric softeners and cotton absorbency. Product-specific instructions take priority.
