New towels, while plush and inviting, often come with a frustrating side effect: excessive lint. This lint, shed from the fibers during manufacturing, can cling to clothes and skin, leaving you feeling irritated. Luckily, there are several effective methods to remove this lint and enjoy your new towels to their fullest. This guide will walk you through the best techniques, answering common questions along the way.
Why Do New Towels Shed So Much Lint?
New towels shed lint primarily because of the manufacturing process. Towels are often made from looped fibers, and during the weaving and finishing stages, loose fibers are inevitably left behind. These loose fibers are what create the lint. The type of fabric also plays a role; thicker, plusher towels tend to shed more initially than thinner, less absorbent ones. High-quality towels, while potentially shedding more initially, often shed less in the long run.
How to Wash New Towels to Remove Lint?
The most effective way to remove lint from new towels is through washing. However, it's crucial to wash them correctly to avoid further issues.
The Initial Wash:
- Pre-wash: Before the first wash, consider soaking the towels in cold water for about 30 minutes. This helps loosen up many of the loose fibers.
- Detergent Choice: Use a mild detergent. Harsh detergents can damage the fibers and potentially make the shedding worse. Avoid using fabric softener on the first few washes, as it can coat the fibers and reduce absorbency.
- Water Temperature: Wash your new towels in hot water for the first wash. Hot water helps to further loosen and remove the lint.
- Load Size: Avoid overcrowding the washing machine. Give the towels plenty of room to move around and properly agitate in the water.
Subsequent Washes:
- After the initial wash, you can switch to warm or cold water, depending on your preference and the towel material.
- Continue to use a mild detergent.
- Consider adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help soften the towels and remove any residual detergent.
What's the Best Way to Dry New Towels After Washing?
Drying your towels properly is just as important as washing them.
- Air Drying: Air drying can help reduce lint, but it's a slower process and not always practical.
- Tumble Drying: Tumble drying on medium or low heat is generally recommended. High heat can damage the fibers and potentially cause more shedding. Use dryer balls or tennis balls (clean!) to help separate the towels and reduce clumping.
How Many Times Should I Wash My New Towels Before They Stop Shedding?
This varies depending on the towel quality and type of fabric. Generally, you should see a significant reduction in lint after 3-5 washes. However, some shedding might continue for a few more washes, especially with thicker towels.
Can I Use a Lint Roller or Sticky Tape to Remove Lint from My Towels?
While you can use a lint roller or sticky tape to remove lint from the surface of your towels after washing, this is not a substitute for washing them thoroughly. This method will only remove the surface lint and will not address the problem of shedding.
What if My Towels Are Still Shedding After Multiple Washes?
If your towels are still excessively shedding after several washes, there could be a problem with the towel's quality or manufacturing. Contact the retailer or manufacturer for a potential return or replacement.
Should I wash my new towels separately?
Yes, it's best to wash your new towels separately, especially the first few times, to avoid transferring excess lint to other garments.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove lint from your new towels and enjoy their softness and absorbency for years to come. Remember, patience is key; it takes a few washes for most towels to fully shed their excess lint.
