Beach Towel Care

If we put any of our textiles and clothing through the ringer, it’s our beach towels. We spread them out on coarse sand and wriggle around on them all day, applying plenty of damaging friction to the fabric. We sweat on them and soak them in salt water and lake water. We slather them in oils and sunscreen. We unwittingly drape them over discarded gum, cigarette butts and other beach litter. And, oh yes, we leave our beach towels out in the sun, which dulls the vibrant colors and erodes the soft nap.

We take our beach towels for granted, especially in parts of the country where hitting the beach is a seasonal pastime. We stow our beach towels away for the winter and expect them to be waiting and ready for us when the first warm days of spring finally arrive.

Since so many people spend their money on designer beach towels, it makes sense to take a little bit of extra time to care and maintain them so they retain their quality for several years.

Regular Care

If you’re not working to remove tough stains, think twice about throwing your nice beach towels in a washing machine. The agitation and rinse cycles can give textiles an unnecessary beating. If it’s a routine cleaning you need, try hand washing to preserve your beach towels.

If possible, keep brightly colored beach towels under a tree or an umbrella when you run off to swim. Even short periods of exposure can cause beach towels to fade and erode.

Stains Happen

Whenever fun is involved, stains tend to be a higher risk. Here are a few remedies for removing some common beach towel stains.

Oils

Tanning oils can be tough stains to remove and they can easily ruin an otherwise perfectly good beach towel. Dry cleaning solutions work best, but a little gasoline can help remove the stain as well. Cover the stain and solvent with talcum powder to prevent leaving color rings behind. Brush thoroughly and wash.

Grass

Grass stains on beach towels can occur when beach towels are spread in parks and backyards. Dip a clean cloth or rag in rubbing alcohol and gently apply to the stain. Repeat with a small amount of ammonia. Finish by washing in warm water.

Make-up

Make-up can smear on a beach towel rather easily. Blot (don’t rub) make-up stains with alcohol and wash in warm water with a proven detergent.

Soda

Soda cans spill easily on uneven sandy surfaces. First soak up the sugar with warm water and then attack the coloring with a rag or cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. Feel free to scrub vigorously before washing in warm water.

Fruit and Wine

Fight fruit with fruit. Mix some salt with some lemon juice. The combination of citric acid and sodium should work to break down fruit stains.

Protect Your Investment

Brand name, high quality beach towels can be a wise investment, but only if you care for them properly. Even the best beach towels might only last a single season if they endure too much wear and tear. Protect your investment with proper care and maintenance, and your beach towel should last for years.

More information on Beach Towels