Your gym towels are exposed to sweat, body fluids, stains, spills, drinks, and dirt. Regular cleaning and disinfecting may help you keep pathogens at bay while providing comfortable towels for gym members. You can also use natural alternatives to harsh chemicals and fabric softeners to protect your towel fibers from tarnishing and breaking down. Here’s how to care for your gym clothes and towels:
Wash Soon After Use
You should wash gym towels immediately after use to prevent the buildup of bacteria and pathogens. The buildup of bacteria can also result in stubborn stains and musty odors that don’t go away with washing and drying. Use a washing machine to clean towels daily and maintain hygienic and sanitary standards. Wait for the cleaned towels to dry before folding and storing them in dry, moisture-free areas. Washing soon after use also reduces your loads and results in faster cleaning. When sweat, dirt, and other spills set in for hours, they become harder to clean.
Rotate Towels
Your gym members should have clean, comfortable towels in good condition. Used towels that are washed more often go through rapid wear and tear. You can invest in bulk orders to make sure you have enough stock for frequent rotation. Having enough towels allows you to clean and store batches for quick replacement. You may also use towels featuring different materials like microfiber, cotton, and terry to provide some options for the workout session. Cotton towels are ideal for wiping sweat and dirt off the skin, while microfiber options help to remove oils and grease from equipment. You can also find towels with different sizes, densities, and drying rates.
Avoid Fabric Softeners
Cotton, terry, microfiber, and linen towels have various features, including options that can last several months or years. Avoiding fabric softeners and harsh chemicals protects the fabric from disintegration and discoloration since strong cleaning agents may impact the towel’s absorbency and efficiency. Stick to the cleaning agents recommended by the manufacturer. Use hot water and laundry-grade detergent to remove sweat, loosen dirt, grime, and other contaminants, and kill bacteria with the heat. Follow the temperature guidelines provided by the manufacturer to avoid impacts, like shrinking, of extreme heat on your fabrics.
Inspect Regularly
Caring for towels and other cleaning fabrics requires regular inspection for issues before they damage the fabric. You could spot frayed edges and holes, which are signs you need to replace your towels. Stubborn odors can be addressed using vinegar and baking soda during rinse cycles. High dryer settings and air drying help prevent mildew and other moisture issues. If the issue can’t be resolved, order a new batch of towels and relegate the old ones to washing equipment, rails, and other surfaces. Separate loads of different colors, sizes, and densities to achieve even washing and to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
Purchase Premium Gym Towels Today
Caring for gym towels starts with purchasing high-quality products. You can choose microfiber, cotton, or other reusable, easy-to-clean materials. Keep your towels clean, dry, and properly stored to get the most from their lifecycle. Contact a cleaning supplies provider today to find high-quality gym towels.
