Summer in New Zealand means beach trips, sunshine, and, inevitably, mountains of sandy, damp beach towels. Keeping these essential items fresh and clean throughout the season can feel like a losing battle. A reliable laundry service can certainly help, but you can also follow a few simple steps to make your towels last longer and smell better.
This blog post will guide you through the best tips for maintaining your beach towels so they stay soft and fresh, ready for your next dip in the ocean.
Tackle sand and dampness as soon as you can
The two biggest culprits for towel woes are sand and prolonged dampness, which can lead to that unpleasant, musty odour.
1. Shake, shake, shake
Never toss a sandy towel directly into the washing machine or laundry basket. Sand will stick to the fabric and can also damage your washing machine over time.
As soon as you leave the beach, give your towels a vigorous shake. For stubborn sand, wait until the towel is completely dry and then shake it again.
If your towel is still damp, hang it over a rail or line to dry completely before washing. Damp fabric left in a pile creates the perfect environment for mould and mildew.
2. Pre-treat stains
Summer fun often involves sunscreen, ice cream, and other potential stains. Pre-treating spots before washing is key to keeping your towels looking new. Apply a small amount of laundry detergent directly to the stain, gently rub it in, and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before starting the wash cycle.
Washing and drying for longevity
Proper washing and drying are crucial steps for fresh towels. You need a method that tackles bacteria and odours without damaging the fibres.
- Avoid overloading the machine. Overloading prevents the towels from moving freely, leading to poor cleaning and rinsing.
- Use the correct amount of high-quality laundry detergent. Too much detergent can leave residue, trapping dirt and making your towels feel stiff.
- For an extra boost against mustiness, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar naturally disinfects and helps remove lingering odours. You can also add notes in your booking for any special requests like a specific detergent.
Effective drying
Quick and complete drying prevents mildew from developing.
If possible, dry your towels immediately after the wash cycle. Leaving them in the machine can result in that sour smell returning.
Tumble dry on a medium setting. A high heat can damage the fibres, but ensure they are completely dry before folding and storing.
The New Zealand sun is perfect for line drying! Line drying is energy-efficient and the sun’s UV rays act as a natural sanitiser and brightener.
Take a load off with The Laundry Lady
Keeping up with everyday laundry, let alone an endless cycle of beach towels, can consume hours of your valuable time. As a business owner, you already juggle countless tasks, and laundry should not be one of them.
The Laundry Lady is here to help! We offer reliable, professional washing service and ironing for busy individuals and businesses across New Zealand.
- Convenience: Our mobile service means we come to you for pickup and delivery, saving you time and effort. No more wasting time driving to a laundry near me or washing near me location.
- Reliable recurring bookings: Set up a consistent schedule, weekly, monthly, or a custom plan, to ensure your beach towels and other items are always fresh. This consistency gives you a predictable service.
- Professional cleaning: Our experienced Laundry Ladies and Lads take care of the washing, drying, folding, and ironing, using professional processes to return your items sanitised and fresh.
- Stop sweating over piles of wet beach towels and spend more time lounging.
Ready to make your laundry routine easier this summer?
Select your suburb and book your next Laundry Lady service now!
