When it comes to drying towels, choosing the right dryer setting is important to properly dry them and prevent damage. Towels can be quite thick and hold a lot of moisture, so they typically require a higher heat setting and longer drying time than lighter items like shirts or sheets. Drying towels on too low of a heat can leave them damp, while too high of a heat can make them scratchy, rough and prone to shrinking. Additionally, over-drying towels can wear them out more quickly over time. Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about the best dryer settings for towels to help keep them soft, fluffy and long-lasting.
What material are your towels?
The material your towels are made from is one of the key factors in determining the ideal drying temperature. Here’s a look at recommendations for common towel materials:
Cotton
Most high quality bath and kitchen towels are made from 100% cotton or a cotton blend. Cotton is very absorbent but also fairly durable when dried properly. Cotton towels can typically be safely dried on a high heat setting like high or cotton/high. High heat dries the fibers thoroughly and fluffs up the cotton.
Bamboo
Bamboo towels have grown in popularity due to their softness and eco-friendly appeal. Bamboo dries very quickly, but the fibers can be damaged by excessive heat. It’s best to dry bamboo towels on a delicate, permanent press or low setting to prevent them from becoming scratchy or stiff after repeated drying.
Microfiber
Microfiber towels are valued for their ultra-absorbency and quick drying time. But high heat can damage the synthetic microfibers and shorten the useful life of these towels. Dry microfiber towels on a low or delicate setting. Extended exposure to heat can cause pilling.
Linen
Linen is beloved for its lightweight feel and naturally antimicrobial properties. As a bast fiber, linen fibers wrinkle easily when heated. Linen towels should always be dried on a delicate or permanent press setting to prevent damaging or over-drying the fibers. Do not use high heat when drying linen.
Rayon from bamboo
Rayon made from bamboo uses a high-pressure chemical process and should not be confused with natural bamboo fiber towels. Rayon from bamboo towels should be dried on a permanent press or delicate cycle to avoid heat damage and excessive shrinkage after repeated drying. High heat can cause these towels to become misshapen, brittle or rough.
Check the care label
Reading the care instructions on your towel’s tag will provide the manufacturer’s specific drying recommendations. While many 100% cotton towels can be safely dried on high, some may specify a permanent press or lower temperature setting to prevent shrinkage, especially if the towels blend cotton with synthetics. Following the care label instructions is always wise to extend the life of your towels.
Dry towels separately
It’s best practice to dry towels separately from clothing and other laundry. The thick texture of towels makes them slower to dry. Drying them alone allows you to select an optimal temperature setting without compromising drying time or over-drying lighter items. Additionally, towels can pick up lint from fabrics when dried together in a load.
Shake towels before drying
After washing towels, give them a quick shake before tossing them in the dryer. This helps separate the fibers and prevent bundling and knotting. Shaking out towels allows them to dry faster and more evenly for better results.
Use dryer balls
Adding wool or rubber dryer balls to a towel load can help separate the fibers for softer, fluffier results. Dryer balls bounce around the drum to help break up bundles of fabric and improve air circulation. This allows the heat to reach the towels’ inner layers more efficiently. Dryer balls also help absorb moisture to cut down on drying time.
Check load size
Don’t overstuff your dryer – towels need room to tumble freely. If the dryer is packed tightly, towels won’t dry effectively. The ideal load size is around 2-3 bath towels or 4 hand towels. Too many towels can prevent air from circulating properly. For larger towel loads, it’s better to dry them in multiple smaller batches.
Use the moisture sensor option
Many modern dryers have sensors that automatically shut off when clothes reach the desired dryness level. Selecting the moisture sensor drying option is a great way to avoid over-drying towels. The dryer will stop when the towels are dry but still soft and absorbent. This prevents them from being subjected to excess heat.
Time your drying cycle
If your machine doesn’t have a moisture sensor, you’ll need to set a timed drying cycle. The average drying time for a regular load of 4 towels is around 45-60 minutes on high heat. You can stop the cycle periodically to check if the towels are fully dry. It’s better to slightly under-dry towels and allow the remaining moisture to air dry rather than over-dry them.
Remove promptly
As soon as the drying cycle finishes, promptly remove towels from the dryer. Leaving damp towels sitting in the hot dryer after it stops can over-dry the fibers, lead to wrinkles and cause lint to cling. Getting towels out right away allows them to cool down and locks in softness.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dryer setting is key for drying towels effectively. Most 100% cotton towels can be safely dried on a high heat cotton setting for best absorbency and softness. More delicate bamboo, linen or microfiber towels require a lower temperature like permanent press or delicate. Always check fabric care labels and dry towels separately from other items. Use dryer balls for added fluffing and moisture absorption. Time dry cycles carefully, and don’t overstuff your dryer. With the proper dryer settings and cycles, you can keep bath and kitchen towels soft, absorbent and lint-free for years to come.
| Towel Material | Recommended Dryer Setting |
|---|---|
| Cotton | High or Cotton/High |
| Bamboo | Delicate, Permanent Press, Low |
| Microfiber | Low, Delicate |
| Linen | Delicate, Permanent Press |
| Rayon from Bamboo | Permanent Press, Delicate |
Tips for Drying Towels
- Read care label instructions
- Dry towels separately from other laundry
- Shake out towels before drying
- Use wool or rubber dryer balls
- Don’t overload the dryer
- Use a moisture sensor setting
- Time drying cycles carefully
- Promptly remove towels when dry
Following these best practices when drying towels will keep them in top condition for household use. Taking steps to dry them properly and prevent over-drying or heat damage will extend the lifespan of your towels so you get the most out of your investment. With the right dryer settings for the fabric, plus a few extra care steps, towels can stay soft and absorbent wash after wash. Investing in high quality towels and drying them carefully will keep them ready to handle spills, bath time, and everyday use around your home.