Smiling JOe
SoWal Expert
If consumer reports doesn't have it, here are some tips to towel shopping per GoodHousekeeping.com:
Towel shopping is a tactile endeavor, but little can be determined by touch alone. Here are tips for finding high-quality towels — and avoiding softness scams.
Kohl's Sonoma brand ($11.99 for a bath towel): In GH Research Institute tests, this towel earned a perfect score for fade resistance, and the fabric looked the nicest at the end of the test.
Niki Home D?cor Classics from walmart.com ($22.96 for a set of six: two bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths): Even after undergoing rigorous testing, this towel looked good as new.
Lands' End Super Supima Cotton ($16): In GH Research Institute tests, the catalog choice kept "almost like new" appearance after 25 washes.
JC Penney Home ($7.99): This budget beauty kept its size and shape after repeated laundry cycles.
... and some towel care from goodhousekeeping.com:
Towel shopping is a tactile endeavor, but little can be determined by touch alone. Here are tips for finding high-quality towels — and avoiding softness scams.
- Don't judge a towel by its in-store softness. Most manufacturers add softeners to the finish so towels will feel nice and velvety in the store. After a few washings, you may end up with a rougher towel than you had bargained for.
- For enduring coziness, check the tag for 100% combed cotton. Cotton fibers naturally attract water, and can hold almost 25 times its weight in the liquid. Combed cotton ensures that the shorter threads have been removed, keeping the towel strong and preventing pilling.
- Inspect the stitch for thick, tightly packed loops. The denser the loops, the more absorbent your towel will be. If you can see the base of the towel, it's bunk.
- Don't just twiddle the towel on the shelf — pick it up! A high-quality towel will feel heavier than it looks, proving that it's packing more volume for absorbency.
- Double-turned edges with double stitching are the key to durability. This reinforcement reduces fraying, which will give your towels a long, thirsty life.
Kohl's Sonoma brand ($11.99 for a bath towel): In GH Research Institute tests, this towel earned a perfect score for fade resistance, and the fabric looked the nicest at the end of the test.
Niki Home D?cor Classics from walmart.com ($22.96 for a set of six: two bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths): Even after undergoing rigorous testing, this towel looked good as new.
Lands' End Super Supima Cotton ($16): In GH Research Institute tests, the catalog choice kept "almost like new" appearance after 25 washes.
JC Penney Home ($7.99): This budget beauty kept its size and shape after repeated laundry cycles.
... and some towel care from goodhousekeeping.com:
- Read the care label before you wash. Machine wash on the hottest temperature-setting recommended, with similar colors.
- If it says no chlorine bleach, don't use it! Even some white towels have a finish that should not be bleached. Bleach may weaken the fibers over time and make towels less absorbent.
- Forget the fabric softener. Although everyone loves snuggly towels, dryer sheets and liquid softener add a coating that inhibits absorption.
- Maintain fullness organically by fluffing, or shaking out, washed towels before placing in the dryer and fluffing again upon removal.
- If your towels are pilling, try a lint roller or wrap tape around your hand (sticky side up) and press over the towels to lift the balls. Also be sure to clean the lint filter in your dryer after every use. Heloise's hint: Place a large piece of nylon netting in the dryer along with the towels. The netting will tumble against them, causing the fuzz balls to fall off.
