The Turkish towel is distinguished by its composition of long-staple Turkish cotton and its lightweight, flat-woven structure. This construction allows the fabric to be highly absorbent yet thin, unlike traditional terry cloth towels. While air drying is often suggested, these towels can be dried in a machine, provided specific measures are taken to protect the cotton fibers. Proper drying techniques maintain the towel’s characteristic softness and functionality.
Machine Drying Instructions
High heat can cause irreversible damage to Turkish cotton fibers. Cotton shrinks when exposed to intense thermal energy because the heat causes the cellulose polymers to contract. To mitigate this effect, use the lowest heat setting available on the dryer, often labeled as “air fluff,” “delicate,” or “tumble dry low.”
Overheating compromises the towel’s softness and absorbency. When cotton fibers are overheated, their structure tightens and becomes rigid, diminishing the surface area available to wick away moisture. The drying cycle should run only until the towels are mostly dry (approximately 80 to 90 percent) to avoid fiber damage.
Avoid common laundry additives like liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets. These products deposit a thin, waxy coating onto the fabric surface to reduce static cling. For Turkish towels, this residue coats the cotton fibers, significantly hindering their ability to absorb water.
After the low-heat cycle, remove the towels while they still retain a slight amount of dampness. This residual moisture allows the fibers to complete the drying process naturally without the harsh effects of prolonged heat exposure. Laying the towels flat or hanging them for a few minutes will finish the process and help preserve the smooth texture of the flat weave.
Air Drying for Optimal Results
Air drying is the preferred method for maintaining the towel’s structural integrity and aesthetic qualities. Avoiding the mechanical tumbling and thermal stress of a dryer keeps the delicate fibers relaxed and undamaged. This gentle process maintains the smooth feel of the Turkish cotton without requiring chemical softeners.
Air drying is remarkably efficient compared to thick, looped terry cloth towels. Its lightweight construction and flat-woven profile maximize the surface area exposed to the air while minimizing density. This allows for rapid moisture evaporation, often resulting in a completely dry towel within an hour, depending on humidity levels.
Before hanging the wet towel, give it a firm shake to release residual water and smooth out wrinkles. This action helps align the cotton threads and restore the towel to its original shape. Shaking minimizes the need for ironing and ensures the towel dries flat and crisp.
Hang the towels on a line or over a rack that allows for maximum air circulation around the entire fabric. While sunlight is a powerful natural disinfectant, prolonged exposure to intense, direct ultraviolet light should be avoided. UV rays can cause the dyes in the cotton fibers to break down, leading to noticeable fading of the towel’s color.