The Ultimate Guide To Caring For Turkish Towels
Turkish towels, also known as peshtemals or foutas, are more than just towels. With their lightweight structure, beautiful designs, and practicality, they’ve won hearts worldwide. Whether you use yours at the beach, at home, or during your travels, giving them the care they deserve will help keep them soft, absorbent, and long-lasting.
Since moving to Turkey 8 months ago I have become a Turkish Towel connoisseur. I have tried to learn as much as I can about the quality, care and differences in all the towels. Today I’m sharing with you everything that I know.
Choose A High Quality Turkish Towel
Before I jump in and tell you everything that I’ve learned. It’s essential to invest in high-quality towels. (100% cotton is the most important thing you should know!)
Material: Always opt for 100% Turkish cotton, ideally from Aegean Turkey, known for its premium cotton. Blended or synthetic fibers won’t offer the same softness or absorbency.
Weave & Thickness: A tight, double-loop weave is more durable and absorbent than a single loop. The heavier the towel, the denser and more plush it will feel against your skin. Generally, a weight of 550-800 GSM (grams per square meter) is considered ideal for Turkish towels.
Finishing Touches: Look for details like hand-knotted fringes or embroidered borders that enhance the towel’s appearance and add character.
Soak and Wash Before You Use
Before using your Turkish towels for the first time, it’s a good idea to soak them in cold water overnight. This simple step helps the cotton fibers expand and open up, enhancing both the softness and absorbency of the towels. To do this, fill a basin or tub with cold water and submerge the towels completely. Once soaked overnight, gently wring out any excess water and hang the towels to air-dry, or go ahead and launder as usual. While this process might seem small, it really makes a noticeable difference in the feel and performance of your towels over time!
Drying Tips To Help Preserve Softness
Drying Turkish towels incorrectly is one of the most common mistakes people make. Over time, improper care (like frequent high-heat dryer cycles) can harm the fibers. Here are some tips to preserve their softness:
- Air dry your towels when possible. The sun not only naturally bleaches and disinfects, but it also helps keep the fibers soft.
- If using a dryer, use low heat or delicate cycle. High heat can cause shrinkage and damage the fibers.
- To keep your towel fluffy, add a few tennis balls or dryer balls to the tumble dryer. This will help fluff up the fibers while drying.
Bonus Tips For Longevity
Taking good care of your Turkish towels will ensure they last for years to come. Here are some bonus tips to help extend their lifespan:
Best Drying Methods
- Air Dry: Whenever possible, air drying is the best option. It preserves softness and prolongs the towel’s lifespan. Hang them in a breathable area to dry naturally.
- Tumble Dry on Low Heat: If you’re short on time, you can tumble dry on the lowest heat setting. Just don’t make this a habit, as excessive heat can weaken the cotton fibers over time.
Say No To Fabric Softeners
A little ongoing maintenance ensures your Turkish towels stay in top-notch condition.
- Frayed or Tangled Fringes?
Gently untangle them by hand to avoid damage.
- Stiff Towels? If your towel feels stiff after washing, soak it in warm water with a bit of vinegar to restore softness.
- Overdrying? Avoid leaving your towels in the dryer for too long or using high heat extensively. This is a common mistake that can affect their plush texture.
Where can you purchase Turkish Towels?
There’s a lot of places online, especially on Esty.
You could also plan a trip to Ankara, Istanbul, or Cappadocia, Turkiye.