Going to the beach is one of the best parts of summer. Lounging on the sand, playing in the waves, and soaking up the sun are what memories are made of. But all that fun at the seaside can leave your beach towels full of sand, salt, and sunscreen. Properly cleaning and caring for your beach towels ensures they stay soft, absorbent, and ready for your next beach adventure. Follow these tips to keep your beach towels in top condition all season long.
Prepare Beach Towels Before First Use
Brand new beach towels often arrive stiff and scratchy. Give them a good wash before taking them to the beach for the first time. This initial cleaning helps soften the fibers and enhance the towels’ absorbency.
- Wash towels in warm or hot water with a gentle detergent and 1⁄2 cup of baking soda. The baking soda helps remove any chemical residues from manufacturing.
- For extra softening, add 1⁄2 to 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. The vinegar neutralizes any alkaline detergent residues and acts as a fabric softener.
- Dry towels completely in the dryer on medium heat. Avoid over-drying, as this can damage fibers.
- Repeat washing and drying 1-2 more times before first use for maximum softness.
Giving beach towels a good pre-wash guarantees they are soft, absorbent, and ready to enjoy on the sand.
Rinse Sand Off Towels at the Beach
Once your fun at the beach is over for the day, prepare your beach towels for the trip home. Give them a good shake or rinse to remove as much sand as possible.
- Shake out towels vigorously to dislodge dry sand. Focus on shaking out corners and ends where sand collects.
- For wet towels, do an initial rinse with clean water. This prevents sand and salt from drying on the fabric.
- If rinsing facilities are available, hold towels under running water and rub the fabric together to wash off sand and saltwater.
- Wring out excess water before heading home. Roll towels up in a beach bag or tote to prevent sand transfer in your vehicle.
A quick rinse removes most of the sand and salt from beach towels at the end of the day. This prevents abrasion damage during washing and drying at home.
Wash Beach Towels Promptly After Use
Don’t let used beach towels sit around. Wash them as soon as possible after returning home from the beach. This prevents stains, mildew, and lingering odors.
- Empty towel bags directly into the washing machine. Don’t shake out towels indoors.
- Wash in hot water with a gentle powder or liquid detergent.
- For extra cleaning power, add 1-2 cups of white vinegar to the wash cycle. The acidic vinegar helps remove salt, sunscreen, and odors.
- Avoid fabric softener, as it can leave residue that reduces absorbency.
- For bleach-safe white towels, add 1⁄2 cup chlorine bleach to disinfect and brighten.
- Dry towels completely on medium heat. Check that no sand remains trapped in corners or pockets.
Washing beach towels promptly prevents stains from setting and eliminates odors from mildew. Follow up with periodic deep cleaning washes for fresh, clean towels all season.
Deep Clean Towels Periodically
Over the course of the summer, buildup of body oils, sunscreen, and detergent residues can make beach towels less soft and absorbent. Deep clean towels every 2-3 weeks for optimal performance.
Baking Soda Scrub
- Add 1⁄2 cup baking soda to the washing machine detergent compartment.
- Place towels in machine and run a hot water wash cycle with no detergent.
- The baking soda scrub removes residues without harsh chemicals.
- Follow with a rinse cycle and dry towels completely.
Vinegar Soak
- Fill a bathtub with very hot water and 1-2 cups white vinegar.
- Place towels in tub and push underwater to soak for 1-2 hours.
- Rinse towels thoroughly in clean water.
- Wash as usual with detergent and dry completely.
Deep cleaning with baking soda or vinegar keeps beach towels fresh all season long.
Disinfect Towels to Prevent Mildew and Odors
The warm, humid beach environment can lead to mildew and musty odors in beach towels. Periodically disinfect and sanitize towels to prevent this.
- Once a week, wash towels in hot water with 1⁄2 cup liquid chlorine bleach added to the load.
- For white vinegar as a non-chlorine alternative, fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water. Lightly mist towel surfaces and let sit 5 minutes before washing.
- Allow towels to dry completely after washing. Mildew thrives on dampness.
- Between uses, hang towels outdoors in direct sunlight. The UV rays have a natural sanitizing effect.
- Store completely dry towels in a cool, dry place. Avoid using damp towels as this encourages mildew.
Proper drying, sunlight exposure, and periodic disinfecting keeps beach towels fresh and mold-free.
Remove Difficult Stains from Beach Towels
Beach towels can accumulate some challenging stains over the course of the summer. Use these stain removal techniques to keep your towels looking their best.
Sunscreen Stains
- Pre-treat with an oxy-powered detergent spray. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before washing.
- For set-in stains, rub liquid dish detergent directly on the stain and wash in hot water.
- For excess sunscreen buildup, rub towels with baking soda before washing. Rinse thoroughly.
Food and Drink Stains
- Spray set-in stains immediately with prewash stain remover.
- For fresh stains, dab the spot with hydrogen peroxide. Let bubble for 5 minutes then rinse.
- Rub liquid dish soap into the stain then wash in hot water for older stains.
Tar Stains
- Place a paper towel over the tar stain and use a warm iron to melt the tar so it absorbs into the towel. Replace paper towels as needed.
- Once tar is removed, scrub area with lemon juice and wash as usual.
Tackling stains right away improves chances of removal. Check care labels and test stain removers on an inconspicuous area first.
Store Beach Towels Properly Between Uses
Beach towels require some special care between beach trips for longevity. Follow these storage guidelines:
- Make sure towels are completely dry before folding and storing to prevent mildew.
- Shake out sand from towels before folding to avoid abrasion damage to fibers.
- Roll up towels loosely rather than tightly folding. This prevents creasing which can weaken fibers.
- Store towels in a breathable fabric bag or bin, not sealed plastic. Allow air circulation.
- Keep towels in a cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight. Avoid attics and basements which are too humid.
Proper in-between storage keeps beach towels ready for action on your next beach day. With the right care, quality beach towels can last many seasons.
When to Replace Beach Towels
With regular cleaning and proper storage, good quality beach towels can last for years. But normal wear and tear does take a toll over time. Watch for these signs that your beach towels need replacement:
- Towels feel stiff, rough or scratchy indicating excessive wear.
- Fabrics pill or become thin from abrasion damage.
- Towels bleach out, fade or develop holes from sun and chlorine damage.
- Mildew stains and odors persist despite repeated washings.
- Towels are no longer very absorbent and dry slowly.
When beach towels display these issues, it’s time to retire them and upgrade to new ones for the next beach season.
Choosing New Beach Towels
Not all beach towels are created equal when it comes to quality and durability. Keep these factors in mind when selecting replacements:
- Fiber Content – Cotton dries quickest but lacks softness. Opt for a cotton/microfiber or cotton/polyester blend for both absorption and comfort.
- Weight – Heavier weight towels (around 700-900 GSM) are more durable and absorbent. Lightweight towels work better for wrapping up at the poolside.
- Size – Oversized towels are best for full beach coverage. Aim for around 40” x 70” for comfort and flexibility.
- Color – For longevity, choose darker towels to prevent fading and bleaching from sun exposure and chlorine.
- Features – Look for corner pockets to hold down towels on windy beach days. Other useful extras are loops for hanging and built-in pillows.
With high quality towels and proper seasonal care, you can enjoy comfy, clean towels beach season after beach season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beach Towels
Beach towels endure a lot of use and abuse during swimsuit season. Here are answers to some common questions about keeping them clean and cared for.
How do you get the stiffness out of new beach towels before use?
Wash new beach towels in hot water with baking soda and vinegar a couple of times before first use. The baking soda removes manufacturing residues and vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener. Dry towels completely between washes.
Can you put beach towels in the dryer?
Yes, you can safely dry beach towels in the clothes dryer on medium heat after washing. Avoid over-drying which can damage fibers. Remove towels promptly and fold or hang to prevent wrinkles from prolonged tumbling.
How do you get sand out of beach towels?
Start by giving towels a good shake or rinse at the beach when you’re done for the day to remove excess sand. Wash towels promptly in hot water when you get home to fully remove all traces of sand and salt.
How do you keep beach towels from smelling?
Wash towels promptly after use and dry completely to prevent mildew odors. Store towels in a cool, dry spot in breathable bags. Periodically disinfect towels by washing in hot water with bleach or soaking in a vinegar solution.
How do you get sunscreen stains out of beach towels?
Treat sunscreen stains by pre-soaking in an oxy-powered detergent, rubbing with baking soda, or using liquid dish soap before washing. Wash towels in very hot water for best results removing set-in sunscreen stains.
How often should you wash beach towels?
Ideally, beach towels should be washed after every use in hot water to remove odors, bacteria, and salt residue. For light use, wash towels at least once a week or whenever they show stains or smell musty.
What is the best way to store beach towels between uses?
Make sure beach towels are completely dry before storage. Roll up loosely rather than folding tightly, as this can damage fibers. Keep towels in a breathable fabric bag or bin in a cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight.
Get the Most Enjoyment From Your Beach Towels
Beach towels take a beating during swimsuit season. Show them some extra TLC with these care tips. With routine cleaning, periodic deep cleaning, proper storage, and replacing when worn out, you can keep your favorite beach towels in tip-top condition for seasons of beach adventures to come. Properly cared for towels ensure you lounge in comfort and dry off quickly after taking a dip. Give your beach towels the right maintenance so all your seaside memories are happy ones.