Having neatly folded towels can make your bathroom look tidy and pulled together. Proper towel folding techniques allow you to maximize storage space while keeping towels organized and easy to access. We will share three effective methods for folding towels so you can maintain a neat linen closet or bathroom.
Evaluate Towel Folding Options
When deciding how to fold towels, consider the space you have available and your personal preferences. Here are some common options:
Roll Fold
The standard roll fold is quick and simple. Lay the towel flat and roll it up tightly from one side. This creates a long cylindrical shape that is easy to stack or file upright. The roll fold works well for hand towels and washcloths.
Accordion Fold
For an accordion fold, fold the towel in half lengthwise. Then continue folding it back and forth into a compact stack. The accordion fold keeps the entire towel visible and makes each one easy to pull out from the stack. It’s ideal for bath and beach towels.
KonMari Fold
The KonMari method involves folding towels into neat, upright rectangles. Fold the towel in thirds, then fold it in half twice more. This creates a tidy, vertical stack that maximizes storage space. The KonMari fold makes locating towels quick and easy.
Master the Roll Fold Technique
Rolling towels into cylinders is one of the quickest and simplest folding methods. Here are step-by-step instructions to roll fold towels like an expert:
Lay It Flat
Start with a freshly laundered and fully dried towel laid flat on a surface. Smooth out any wrinkles for a neat fold.
Fold the Top Down
Bring the edge of the towel nearest you down a few inches to create a straight line. Smooth with your hands.
Start Rolling Tightly
Begin rolling the towel away from you, as tightly as possible. Apply gentle pressure as you roll to remove air pockets.
Roll to the End
Continue rolling the towel into a tight cylinder, all the way to the opposite end. Make sure the roll is even and snug.
Finish Neatly
Gently straighten the ends of the rolled towel so they are flush and tidy. The finished roll should be a uniform cylinder.
Stand It Upright
Store rolled towels vertically in a basket or shelving unit. This keeps them neatly organized and easily visible.
With practice, you can roll towels quickly and efficiently. It’s an ideal technique for hand towels or washcloths when space is limited.
Master the Accordion Fold Method
An accordion fold keeps towels visible and easy to access. Follow these instructions to accordion fold bath and hand towels with precision:
Fold in Half Lengthwise
Lay the towel flat and fold it in half lengthwise so the short ends meet. Smooth out the folded towel.
Fold into Thirds
Fold one long side of the towel back over itself to divide it into thirds. Make the folds as even as possible.
Continue Accordion Folds
Keep folding the towel back and forth into narrow accordion pleats. Make straight, tidy folds.
Fold Until Compact
Continue making even accordion folds until the towel is a compact shape. Try to make the folds uniform in size.
Store Vertically
Stand the folded towels upright to save space and keep them neatly organized. Accordion folded towels are easy to identify.
The accordion fold works very well for larger bath and beach towels. Practice makes perfect when it comes to sizing the folds evenly.
Utilize the KonMari Folding Method
The KonMari technique produces folded towels that stand upright for easy access. Follow these KonMari folding steps:
Fold in Thirds
Fold the towel in thirds by bringing one short end up to meet the opposite side. Smooth gently.
Fold in Half
Fold the towel in half lengthwise so the short ends meet. Again, smooth it out neatly.
Fold in Thirds Again
Bring one stacked end up to meet the opposite side, dividing the towel into thirds again. Smooth with your hands.
Fold in Half Again
Finally, make one more lengthwise fold to create a tidy rectangular stack. Adjust as needed.
Store Vertically
Set the neatly folded KonMari towels upright in a drawer or shelf. The flat ends keep them standing neatly.
With its rectangles and right angles, the KonMari folding technique creates an orderly look. The towels stand ready for use.
Stick to a Consistent Folding Method
Whatever folding technique you choose, be consistent. Fold all your towels in the same manner for a streamlined appearance. Here are some benefits of uniform towel folding:
- Creates a sense of order in your linen closet or cupboard
- Makes locating a certain towel quick and easy
- Allows you to stack towels compactly to maximize space
- Makes your shelves or baskets look neat and tidy
- Helps you notice when towels need replacing
Establish a system and train yourself to always fold towels the same way. Consistency leads to greater organization.
Fold and Store Washcloths Efficiently
Washcloths require a special folding technique to keep them from unraveling. Here is an effective way to fold washcloths:
Lay Washcloth Flat
Place the washcloth flat with one corner folded diagonally and overlapping the body.
Fold Into Triangle
Bring the opposite corner up and over to create a triangle shape.
Roll Tightly
Roll the washcloth up from the open edge into a tight cylinder.
Stand Upright
Store rolled washcloths upright in a basket for easy access.
Rolling washcloths into cylinders keeps them neat and prevents loose ends from fraying in the wash. Store them within easy reach.
Organize Folded Towels in Drawers
For folded towels stored in drawers, use dividers or trays to keep them organized. Here are handy tips:
- Use drawer dividers to separate types of towels or create compartments.
- Stack KonMari folded towels side by side in divided drawers.
- Designate one drawer just for rolled washcloths and hand towels.
- Place rubberized mesh grip liners in drawers to keep stacks in place.
- Put folded towels in inexpensive cloth trays or mesh pouches.
- Label any storage containers clearly with their contents.
Proper dividers and compartments prevent folded towels from becoming jumbled over time. Install organizers suited to your chosen folding method.
Maximize Linen Closet Storage
Make the most of vertical space when storing folded towels on shelves. Here are excellent tips:
- Stack towels with larger ones on bottom and smaller on top.
- Stand upright folds facing outwards for visibility.
- Use shelf dividers or bookends to neatly separate stacks.
- Place neatly rolled washcloths in wire bins or baskets.
- Designate top shelves for out-of-season or rarely used towels.
- Add storage hooks on the inside of cabinet doors to hang folded towels.
- Install extra shelving units if needed for adequate space.
Effective shelf organization ensures you can locate and access any folded towel when needed.
Maintain Neatness Long-Term
A few habits will help keep folded towels organized in the long run:
- Refold any towels that come undone after use.
- Re-stack shelves or drawers periodically to maintain order.
- Avoid overstuffing cabinets as this crumples towels.
- Wash faded or torn towels and replace them with new ones.
- Fluff folded towels in the dryer to remove wrinkles.
- Fold and put away towels right out of the dryer.
Take time to periodically tidy and maintain your towel folding system. This promotes lasting neatness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best towels to roll fold?
The roll fold technique works best for hand towels and washcloths. The cylindrical shape lets you stand them upright in tight spaces.
How do you neatly fold a bath towel?
For folding bath or beach towels, the accordion fold is ideal. It keeps them compact while remaining visible and accessible.
What folding method maximizes space?
The KonMari standing vertical fold fits more towels in the same amount of space. The tidy rectangle stacks efficiently.
How do you fold a towel to dry faster?
Unfold damp towels and hang them on a towel rack or drying rack. This allows air to circulate, drying the towels faster.
Where should you store folded towels?
Store folded towels in a designated drawer, on closet shelves, or in baskets or bins. Use organizers to compartmentalize them.
Conclusion
Neatly folded towels lend a sense of order and tidiness to any bathroom. Take time to fold towels using efficient techniques like the roll, accordion, or KonMari methods. Be consistent in your approach and utilize dividers, baskets, and bins to organize the folded stacks. Maintain your system by promptly refolding used towels and replacing any that are worn. With the right folding method and storage solutions, you can enjoy neatly organized towels that are a pleasure to use.