Revamping a bathroom is all about focusing on the small details. Stylish yet practical storage, chic toothbrush holders and of course, fun towels to add a slice of joy to the everyday. While towels are generally an affordable upgrade, some styles can still set you back, so finding designer-inspired designs like these striped towels from H&M is a big win.

Whether you have a neutral bathroom that needs a colour injection or you just want to refresh old, crusty towels, this style of striped towel is easily ranking as one of the best bath towels of 2025. Stripes have been a huge bathroom trend this year and finding ways to incorporate the look without overspending or undergoing a renovation will make your space feel brand new.

H&M consistently delivers on affordable yet on-trend bathroom buys, and we predict that these towels won't be around for long.

Stripes have been a huge trend so far this year and we can see it lasting into 2026. Whether your style leans more minimal or you prefer a bold, colour-clashing look, there will be a stripe for every occasion.

​​'It’s a simple pattern with major impact,' says Jamie Chappell, VP of brand and marketing at Fireclay Tile. 'Stripes keep the eye moving and bring energy to a space without overwhelming it.' We've seen the trend find its place in bathroom tiles, in particular, but if a renovation isn't on the horizon then finding other ways to include stripes, like through accessories, will satisfy the craving.

H&M's latest drop of striped towels is the easiest and most stylish way of doing so. The latest collection of thin-striped towels comes in three colours, a dark burgundy, muted pink, and periwinkle blue, each with a contrasting stripe.

With a design that looks similar to the Tekla towels that appear regularly on our social media feeds, it's hard to go wrong when they're a fraction of the price.

Tekla towels are favoured for their fun, Scandinavian-inspired design and act as an in-the-know nod to style in your bathroom. Scandi bathrooms are often pared-back in terms of colour palette and design, so adding inexpensive bursts of colour through towels means you can switch it up as your taste evolves.

'Pieces like these striped towels are exactly the reason why H&M Home is one of my favourite go-tos for shopping (or at least wistfully browsing) homeware. These towels are so chic, featuring some of the biggest colour trends of the moment (the baby blue or light pink with burgundy stripes and the chocolate brown particularly), yet so affordable,' explains Ideal Home's Content Editor, Sara Hesikova.

'I, of course, love the striped Tekla towels H&M likely took inspiration from but in all honesty, I wouldn't be able to justify that price point. This, on the other hand, I can do.'

Shop striped towels

H&M has an extra 15% off for members for the next two days (you can still sign up and benefit from the offer), making these towels even more affordable. I'm adding the burgundy and blue to my basket ready for a bathroom refresh for autumn, which would you choose?

When that itch comes to switch up your interiors, it's hard to get it to go away. This is why we're all about finding affordable home upgrades so you can inject a bit of newness into your day-to-day without breaking the bank. One buy we can't get off our minds is a trend we keep seeing in the most stylish of bathrooms - chequerboard towels. And we've found high street retailer John Lewis has the ultimate selection.

This trend crept up on us slowly until the Ideal Home team all confessed that we've had our eyes on them. Cropping up in trendy bathrooms on our inspiration boards, we're immediately banishing white towels to the back of the airing cupboard.

Choosing the best towels for your bathroom has the potential to take a design to the next level in a small way, and this new take on chequerboard will make a wash space feel brand new.

Choosing a bathroom colour scheme can feel like a big commitment and so can updating tiles or paintwork, which is why this trend is perfect for adding an injection of colour and character to your space.

Chequerboard flooring in a bathroom isn't a new concept and instead adds a retro, nostalgic twist to a wash space that doesn't ever seem to date.

'As we’ve already started to see this season, checkerboard tile patterns are making a huge comeback, offering a nostalgic nod to classic interiors with a fresh twist. Whether used in classic monochrome or modern colour combinations, checkerboard designs bring a sense of structure and drama to kitchens, bathrooms, and entranceways,' explains Molly Woodward-More, creative director at Stone Superstore.

However, if a renovation isn't on the cards and you just want to revamp your bathroom in a small way, towels are the way forward. A spa-like effect is always the aim and upgrading threadbare towels to soft, luxurious towels will elevate any bathing experience.

John Lewis & Partners has the best selection of checked towels we've seen, in colours to suit every bathroom colour scheme. The checked prints are slightly abstract too, offering a fresh take on the trend that veers away from the traditional black and white chequerboard effect.

I've got the pale blue checked bath towels in my basket and I think these would pair beautifully with the beige towels for a two-tone look. You'll want to move fast though as certain sizes are flying fast.

If these aren't quite to your tastes, these 3 options below are equally as cool to upgrade your bathroom.

Shop more checked towels

Will you be checking into this trend?

The White Company makes the Ideal Home best bath towels line-up again and again, favoured for their high-end, spa-like feel that makes every bathroom experience feel like a real treat.

However, their luxury quality often comes with a luxury price tag. So I was delighted to spot that their classic bath towels in the mid-season sale are now more affordable than Sainsbury's.

The White Company deals are always my first port of call when it comes to buying new pieces of homeware without going over budget. In the mid-season sale I've got my eye on some great bargains on beautiful bedding, candles and some of the best bath towels.

I've done the math - the classic bath towels are now more affordable than these egyptian cotton towels from Sainsbury's, and they have a much more luxe-feeling. At under £20 for a bath sheet (the ultimate upgrade from a smaller towel), it's the perfect justifiable treat-yourself buy.

Sales are the ideal opportunity to upgrade household essentials that have maybe seen better days or that you didn't have the budget to invest in when you first bought them. It's safe to say my bath towels fit both of those categories and have become too crusty to hand over to guests without shame.

I've already added these double-border towels to my basket. The bath sheets are a particularly good deal and add to a spa-like feel at home.

While my bath towels are more than due a refresh, other members of the Ideal Home team are using the mid-season sale as the prime opportunity to invest in homeware that will last.

'I'm a huge fan of all things The White Company, and a set of towels from them has been on my wishlist for a while. I'm jumping on this deal to buy a new set for my new flat,' says Rebecca Knight, Deputy Editor of Ideal Home.

'So my partner and I don't get our towels muddled in the bathroom, I'll be buying one set in white and the other in oatmeal to complement our new colour scheme and give us that hotel-style bathroom feel at home.'

Alternatives

There are several different towel collections with 30% off - a few more of our favourites include the Classic Hydrocotton Towels that have a slightly more modern look, while the Waffle Edge Spa Towels will add to a relaxing retreat aesthetic.

Investing a bit more in your bath towels is a cost that pays off - I've been buying The White Company towels and bath robes for years, and they've washed well and stood the test of time. And considering they're currently more affordable than basic supermarket towels, it's the best time to hit 'buy'.

Is there anything else from The White Company mid-season sale that has caught your eye?

Christmas bath towels are the latest festive decorating trend and it’s easy to see why people are falling head over heels for this wintery trend.

Christmas is definitely on its way, shops are packing up their Halloween displays and we're seeing gonks, candy canes and stockings galore. And for this year, Christmas decorating ideas are set to spread into every corner of our homes, and the bathroom is no exception.

Having the best bath towels is a sure way to elevate your bath time experience, but this whimsical trend adds a nostalgic edge to your space – spreading festive cheer through the entire home.

Why are Christmas bath towels trending?

'Christmas bath towels offer a fun, unconventional, and quirky way to spruce up your home,' says Nick Drewe, trend expert from Wethrift. 'They breathe a unique lease of life into a space that’s often overlooked. Plus, guests love the extra touch, as it shows you're keen to spread the Christmas spirit throughout the whole home—even the bathroom!'

'They also come in a wide range of colours, textures, and patterns, so you can match them to any bathroom vibe, whether it’s minimalist, cosy, or full-on festive. They’re an affordable way to refresh your space for the season.'

According to Sarah-Jane Outten, shopping expert at MyVoucherCodes, functionality is the key to the rise in popularity of Christmas bath towels.

‘Purchasing themed everyday items can be an effective low-cost way to add a little bit of festive cheer into your home without spending a fortune - and they are items which can be brought out every year,’ she says.

‘No matter the theme of your bathroom, there are patterns and colours to fit everyone’s taste, whether that's a minimalist winter decor or a more colourful approach to Christmas. We know that the cost of living crisis is continuing to affect people this Christmas, so seeing people purchasing items that are both festive and functional shows that consumers are thinking carefully about their purchases.’

Our top picks

Here are some of our favuitre Christmas bath towels waiting to be snapped up this season.

Will you be adding this Christmas bath towels to your festive decor this year?

There's nothing worse than getting out of the shower or bath and reaching for your towel just to realise that it's still damp and worse – borderline musty.

Keeping our towels dry and smelling fresh between uses can often be difficult, especially because bathrooms are notoriously humid. Although you should wash towels frequently, it doesn't make sense to wash towels after every use from a practical, and energy-saving point of view.

Luckily, there are a handful of things you can do to ensure your towel stays fresh between uses and decrease your chances of eventually having to wash towels that smell from leaving them damp for too long. 

How to keep your bath towel fresh between uses

'Ultimately, the way you hang and store your towels is crucial to lasting freshness,' begins Lucy Ackroyd, towel and bedding expert at Christy. 'Don't let a wet towel dampen your shower experience. Thankfully, there are numerous solutions to ensure your towels stay fresh and dry, ready for your next bath or shower.'

1. Hang towels correctly

'You should gently wring out any excess water from the towel, then choose a well-ventilated area such as a towel rack or hook where air can circulate freely around the towel,' advises Emily and Jonathon Attwood, founders of bedding and towel brand, scooms.

They advise avoiding folding or bunching it up as this can trap moisture and lead to an unpleasant, damp smell. Keeping this moisture trapped will lead to musty odours, ultimately making washing bath towels a harder feat when laundry day comes around.

'Instead, be sure to hang it with enough space between folds to allow the air to flow. This will ensure your towel dries quickly and remains fresh and ready for your next bath or shower,' assure Emily and Jonathon.

2. Hang towels individually

'To speed things up, leave space between towels and other damp items when you hang them up to dry. Giving them room increases airflow between items, which speeds up the overall drying process,' says Deyan Dimitrov, laundry expert and founder of Laundryheap.

Better yet, Lucy even suggests laying towels flat to dry them. 'Avoid piling wet towels on top of each; instead, lay them flat to allow air to circulate freely. To ensure maximum freshness after your shower or bath, give your towels a flip after a few hours to ensure both sides receive adequate airflow or heart, depending on your setup.'

3. Ensure adequate airflow

'To dry towels faster, be sure to hang them in front of any entrances with good airflow, or warmer spots in your home including radiators, windows, and doors,' suggests Deyan. 'Don't worry too much whether these locations have hot or cold air, both will do the trick.' 

'If you have a bathroom ventilation fan, ensure this is turned on post-shower to accelerate drying by improving air circulation,' adds Lucy.

3. Hang it in the right location

On top of correctly hanging your towels and ensuring proper ventilation, location also matters. 'Hang it on the back of a door, the door frame or better still, use a heated towel rail in your bathroom or heated airer,' suggests Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Drench.

'Using an electric towel rail has loads of benefits, from 100% efficiency at the point of use to simple installation and zero maintenance,' assures Stephen Hankinson, energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct. 'Compared with standard radiators, electric towel rails are specifically designed for the needs of your bathroom. They offer a convenient place to hang and dry your towels whilst also providing lasting warmth and helping to keep mould and mildew at bay.'

Alternatively, if you need a renter-friendly bathroom fix, opting for a solution like free-standing organisational ladders will also do the job.

'As well as providing a near-instant solution for towel storage, you can air the towels after use and also, as they're free-standing, there's no risk of cracking expensive tiles by drilling to fix them to the wall,' explains Simon Glanville, managing director at A Place for Everything.

Another option for hanging your towels is suction towel rails or hooks. 'Attach them to tiles or the shower screen and they're a perfect close-at-hand towel rail when stepping out of the shower or bath,' adds Simon. 'They're extremely unobtrusive and versatile as you can move them to whatever works best.'

FAQs

Why are my towels always damp?

If your towels are always damp, it's probably because of the way you're hanging them after a shower or bath.

'If a towel is not hung up to dry correctly after use or thrown into a laundry basket wet, then it's likely you will start to notice a damp, mouldy stench,' explains Nancy Emery at Drench. 'This is down to the length of time the towel is left wet; the longer it takes to dry, the more chance there is for mildew to form giving off that stale water smell.'

'To keep your towel dry and odour-free for the next time you need it, make sure it has plenty of room to air-dry. It needs to be relatively flat and not scrunched up as this limits the airflow causing it to stay wet for longer,' she advises.

Following these tips will hopefully leave you with a fresh and dry towel to reach for after your bath or shower every single time. Now, you can go ahead with your everything shower knowing that even the post-shower experience should be serving you well.

We'll be happily waving goodbye to damp and musty towels from here on out.

Nothing makes a bathroom feel more like a calming sanctuary to relax in than tidy, well-organised storage. Lotions and potions are easy to find a place for amongst cabinets and drawers, but where should we be storing towels? And what are the hard and fast ways to avoid storing towels to keep a space clutter-free and functional? 

Bathroom storage is hard to get right - it's often a balancing act of needing to find a spot for many things in a small space. Add towels to this equation and you suddenly have a messy room overrun with damp washcloths - or worse, thrown in a pile on the floor. Understanding the ways to avoid storing towels, from how to fold them to choosing the right furniture, will make your bathroom work hard for your everyday routine, without losing the spa-like feel. 

7 ways to avoid storing towels

Storage is essential to consider when you're in the beginning stages of planning a bathroom. It shouldn't be an afterthought - rather something to factor into the overall layout so that it's positioned in the prime place - and so that you have enough of it. 

With dampness and mould to contend with in bathrooms, storing towels has an added weight. They take up a lot of space too, so finding tucked-away spots to keep them contained yet still accessible is a task worth mulling over. 

1. Folding, not rolling

Folding is a common space-saving method for clothes storage, and it works just as well with towels. It can be hard to know how to fold towels of different sizes and doing so in an aesthetic way is too time-consuming for everyday life. 

'Whether the aim is to achieve that spa-finished quality or to create ease of use, the best option for folding towels is simply to roll them,' says Sheena Taylor, APDO member and founder of Your Professional Organiser.

'No matter the size, rolling towels is the easiest way to fold and store them. Although trifold, bifold and deep fold methods do save some space, the spa-style roll takes up the least amount of room.'

2. Relying on floor storage

Space comes at a premium in most bathroom designs (especially small bathroom ideas), so opting for wall storage is a simple way of creating essential organisation that doesn't make the floor feel cluttered. 

'An ideal storage solution for towels is a wall-mounted towel rack with a painted finish to reduce rusting,' Sheena recommends. 'A great product recommendation for this type of storage is the LIVEHITOP from Amazon, which makes accessing towels or putting them away quick and easy.'

3. Forgetting to look up

When planning storage in a small room, don't just think about the floor space you have available. Look up and consider the vertical height you have to work with. 

'Think vertical if you are lacking in floor space,' Laura Haddy, APDO member and founder of Clear The Chaos Ltd adds. 'Just remember open shelves and surfaces attract dust, so avoid if possible.' 

Ladder storage is great for this as it makes use of the height of the room without overcrowding it with chunky furniture. You can drape towels over it haphazardly and it will still look well styled. 

4. Stacking folded towels

Using a dedicated ottoman or basket to store towels is a convenient way of keeping them together - plus it shows guests where extra towels are without needing to ask. But if this is your preferred storage method, avoid stacking them on top of each other. 

'I suggest avoiding piling up towels in an ottoman-style box or basket as the ones at the bottom are often forgotten and unused,' advises Lisa Barrett, APDO member & founder of Clutter Free Living. 'If you do need to use something like this, try still to store them upright or rolled so that you can rotate usage and see what you have.'

5. Choosing wooden storage

While wooden bathroom furniture will add to a zen, spa-like aesthetic, the sad reality is that it's much more prone to rotting - not ideal for a wet, humid space. When you add damp towels into this equation, your furniture is unlikely to have a very long lifespan. 

Instead, opt for metal storage racks and bring in pops of wood and rattan through smaller accessories. 

6. Not paying attention to layout

Nothing is worse than dripping across your bathroom as you dash out of the shower or bath to grab a towel. At best it creates a slippery environment and at worst it will damage your flooring. When planning a bathroom layout, not considering where towel storage should practically be will be the biggest oversight. 

'The key thing to remember when deciding where to store towels is to find a space in a bathroom that is easily accessible especially from the shower or bath to avoid unnecessary dripping,' Sheena adds. 'Although there is the temptation to make the best use of space and store towels up high, this will make them more difficult to use or put away once clean.'

'Having hooks, rails or towel rings close to the hand basin, bath and/or shower is a must for ease of use. No one likes to come out of the shower and not have a towel to hand,' Jennifer Childs, APDO member and founder of House Calmer, echoes.

7. Keeping it all in one room

Towel storage has to cater for more than just the singular bath towel and hand towel in use at one time. Spare towels, including those for guests, have to live somewhere and the best spot for this is outside of your bathroom.

'Hand towels, flannels and bath towels – to maximise space keep only those towels in the bathroom that you will need, perhaps with one or two extras especially if you have guests who might like more than you’ve laid out on the bed for them. Keep the rest in an airing or linen cupboard,' recommends Simon Glanville, managing director of A Place for Everything.

Just make sure you have enough baskets to keep each size or type of towel organised within a larger closet. 

Are you now converted from rolling to folding? 

If your cupboard is full of unused towels that have seen better days, don't throw them out just yet — discovering how to use old towels in the garden could give them a fresh lease of life outdoors.

If they're looking a little worse for wear, simply washing your bath towels won't always cut it. And after you've decided to replace them with the best bath towels on the market, you'll need to think about what to do with the older ones.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to use old towels in the garden — and if, like us, you're a huge fan of upcycling ideas for the garden, you'll want to take a look at this list.

How to use old towels in the garden

Towels aren't the only household item you can repurpose for outdoor use — you can learn how to reuse old pillows in the garden, too, and gardeners can even upcycle a mattress with the right know-how.

But first, we're taking a look at how to use old towels in the garden.

'Before rushing to chuck out faded or thinning bath towels, stop and consider whether they might actually have some use in your garden!' says Shadmaan Kader, director of the fabric supplier Pound A Metre. 'There are a variety of ways to repurpose textiles, and improve your flowerbeds while you’re at it.'

We've rounded up our favourite ways to reuse old towels in the garden, from makeshift plant protection to weed control.

1. Make DIY knee pads

If you fancy an easy DIY project that lends itself to an effective budget garden idea, consider transforming your old towels into knee pads for the garden.

'Simply fold or roll up the towel, secure it with fabric ties or an old pillowcase, and you have a soft, washable cushion for weeding or planting,' says Shadmaan. 'For extra durability, you could even get crafty and sew the towel into a waterproof fabric sleeve.'

If you fancy upgrading your DIY knee pads with waterproof fabric, consider something like this heavy duty waterproof canvas from Amazon. Or, just fold the towels until you find something that feels comfortable for you and your knees.

2. Use the strips as plant ties

Another brilliantly easy garden idea for those wondering how to use old towels in the garden is repurposing them to aid plant support.

'Cut old towels into strips so they can be used as soft plant support ties,' says Morris Hankinson, founder of Hopes Grove Nurseries. 'Use them to tie in climbers such as roses and clematis, or even to support the stems of tomato and cucumber vines.'

Who would've thought old towels could help you grow tomatoes and other popular crops? You could also use them as cloths as part of your outdoor kitchen setup.

3. Use old towels as plant protection

When the weather turns cold and the frost descends, it’s important to get your garden ready for winter.

Of course, using the best plant covers on the market will protect your tender plants from damage, but you could also make use of some old towels if you’re pinching the purse strings.

‘Use old towels to help shelter plants during extreme weather conditions,' says Steve Chilton, a garden expert from LeisureBench. 'Wrap the towel around potted plants to protect them from frost.’ You'll just need some garden string like this jute twine from Amazon to secure it.

Old towels aren’t just handy for the winter months, though. If you're looking for garden shade ideas for your plants, Steve suggests using them to shelter your plants from the sun during the summer.

4. Use old towels as weed barriers

If you often find yourself Googling how to kill weeds, you’re not alone. Weeds can wreak havoc on your garden, and just when you think you’ve got rid of them, they pop up once again.

What you might not realise is that you can use old towels in the garden as DIY weed barriers.

'Towels make fantastic weed barriers,' says Shadmaan. 'The dense weave of the fabric prevents weed growth while allowing water and nutrients to seep through to the soil.

'Place an old towel around the base of plants or in walkways, then cover it with mulch or gravel.'

Combining this idea with mulch will have numerous benefits for your garden. Something like the RocketGro Peat-Free Magic Mulch from Amazon or Strulch, also from Amazon, can work wonders.

5. Use old towels to aid moisture retention

If you’re lacking in-ground planting space or just love container garden ideas, planting your flowers and herbs in pots can be a great space-saving solution. Keeping these containers watered can seem like a full-time job, though.

Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about skipping water day if you use the moisture-retaining qualities of your old towels.

According to Steve, you can place old towels in the bottom of large pots or containers before you add soil and plants. 'This will help retain moisture in the container, reducing the frequency of watering needed, especially during hot summer days when the weather is more extreme,' he explains.

6. Use old towels to clean up

After a long day in the garden, there’s a high chance you'll need to wash yourself and your clothes. You might have mud all over your hands, twigs stuck in your hair, and pollen all over your gardening trousers.

So, if you’re wondering how to use old towels in the garden, why don’t you use them to help clean up?

'Use old towels to clean tools and garden accessories,' says Morris. 'After brushing off soil from tools, use a towel to give them a wipe over.'

Learning how to clean garden tools properly is an especially good winter gardening job.

Steve also suggests using old towels to clean your hands, shoes, tools, and even your garden structures and furniture. ‘Keeping some old towels in the shed or garage will always come in handy after particularly muddy gardening jobs,' he says.

FAQs

What can I make with old bath towels?

DIY plant covers, kneeling pads and plant ties aren't the only things you can make out of old towels. Morris from Hopes Grove Nurseries says you can repurpose them for your indoor plants, too.

'Macrame is a very popular way of hanging houseplants up, and towels can be cut and used to do just the same,' he says. 'The strips of towel will hold better if twisted like rope and can be used outside as well as inside.'

How do you make rags out of old towels?

It couldn’t be easier to make rags out of old towels. All you need to do is cut them to your desired size, whether you’re after big rags to clean the car or smaller rags to clean your bathroom.

In most cases, it’ll work in your favour to cut your rags into square or rectangular shapes. However, some people find that cutting their towels into thin strips works better for them — especially if you're using them as plant ties.

Those are our favourite ways to use old towels in the garden. Will you be trying any of the ideas out this summer?

We’ve all probably encountered a whiffy towel in our homes at one point or another. Whether that be a kitchen towel that you use to dry dishes and mop up spills, or a bathroom towel after a shower, it can be rather unpleasant if your towels smell anything other than freshly laundered. 

You may have also experienced a substantial musty or pungent smell if your freshly washed towels haven’t dried correctly or have remained damp for too long, which is something that can easily happen over the winter months, when drying outdoors isn’t always an option. But there are some quick and easy steps to take to wash towels that smell and to stop them from smelling bad in the future.

Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to washing towels that smell.

How to wash towels that smell: step-by-step

‘It’s normal for your towel to become musty and for smells to linger over time with regular use,’ Lucy Ackroyd, head of design at Christy, says. 

In order to keep your towels from smelling anything other than clean and fresh, you have to wash and dry them properly. Not only does this keep them smelling fresh but Lucy says ‘knowing how to wash your dirty towels correctly can help extend their lifespan and keep them looking and feeling great for years.’

The experts have shared their top tips to keep on top of washing and storing your towels to make sure they don't get smelly.

1. Give your towels a good shake and separate them

Before washing, give each towel a good shake to loosen any residual debris or dirt. Then you'll want to 'separate your towels by colour and fabric type,' says Sophie Lane, Product Training Manager at Miele GB. You may already 'wash similar fabrics and colours together to prevent colour bleeding or damage to the towels.' But if you don't, we always recommend separating anything you wash to keep them looking their best for the longest amount of time.

'Don’t overload the washing machine,' Sophie warns, 'as this can prevent proper cleaning. Allow enough space for the towels to move around freely in the machine.'

2. Pre-soak in a vinegar solution

Next, ‘fill your washing machine or a large basin with warm water and add one cup of white vinegar,’ Ava Wilson, Chief Editor at Unclutterer, suggests. ‘Soak the smelly towels in this solution for at least an hour, as vinegar helps to break down the bacteria and mildew.’ We recommend buying white vinegar in bulk for all your cleaning tasks with vinegar – try picking up 10L Hexeal white vinegar from Amazon.  

‘And fear not - your towels won’t smell of vinegar when you take them out,’ Lucy reassures us. Washing towels with vinegar is a great way to keep them clean and soft.  

3. Run through a regular wash on a high heat

After soaking your towels in the vinegar solution, put them into the washing machine and wash them on a high heat setting. Double check the label on each of your towels to determine which hot heat setting is the safest for them. 

You can also add a small amount of your normal detergent to the wash but don’t add a fabric softener, as it can add a residue which will attract moisture and stop your towels from drying fully, thus risking your towels beginning to smell damp or musty again. This is also a top tip when it comes to keeping towels fluffy. 

4. Add bicarbonate of soda

You don't need to do this step every single wash, but add it to your wash routine when towels are starting to smell. ‘During the rinse cycle, add half a cup of bicarbonate of soda,’ Ava adds. ‘Bicarbonate soda neutralises odours and freshens the towels.’ 

5. Dry thoroughly

If you have a tumble dryer, put your freshly laundered towels in the dryer ‘on a high heat setting,’ Ava advises. Or, if you’re able to dry them outdoors (a great alternative if you're worried about how much it costs to run a tumble dryer), hang them out in the warmth or sun. 

It is incredibly important that the towels are fully dry before you go to fold and store towels away. If they're even a little bit moist, the smell could return because of the excess moisture.

5 ways to stop towels smelling unpleasant

Follow these tricks when looking for how to prevent towels from smelly musty or unpleasant..

1. Hang your towels up to dry after each use

If your towel is damp but can be used again, you’ll want to ensure that you hang it somewhere to dry. However, ‘hanging  too many, too close together can lead to mildewed, stinky towels,’ warns Sue Caldwell, Managing Director of Clean Living. 

‘Wet towels need plenty of space to breathe. For best results, hang them individually, with as much surface area exposed to the air as possible.’

2. Avoid placing wet towels or clothes in your laundry hamper

As you may expect, leaving wet towels in your laundry hamper for even a day or so can cause them to smell even more. So, try not to let them sit too long before you wash them.

3. Deep clean your towels every month or so

‘Once a month, repeat the vinegar and baking soda wash, to keep towels fresh,’ Ava advises. Keeping on top of these regular tasks should mean your towels stay at their best for as long as possible.

4. Don't leave them in the machine for too long

It's much better to dry towels immediately after the wash has finished. Essentially, you want to limit the amount of time that your towels are wet, as excess moisture is one of the biggest reasons that towels begin to smell. As soon as you wash your towels, either pop them in the dryer or out to line dry, if the weather permits. If drying indoors, the best dehumidifier is a great investment to help dry clothes and towels. 

5. Only store your towels once they are completely dry

You’ll also want to wait until your towels are completely dry before storing them away, as any trace of moisture can cause them to smell. And when you do go to store them, keep them ‘in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent moisture accumulation,’ Ava advises. An organised linen cupboard is one of the best spots. 

FAQs

Combine the best methods for washing towels, with this expert advice on how to keep them smelling fresh, and you'll be the proud owner of fluffy, fresh-smelling towels, all the time. 

Knowing how to wash white towels the right way will protect them from stains, colour runs and bacteria-inducing odours. 

Many of us strive for a sparkling hotel-style bathroom. Knowing how to wash bath towels is a key part of this, but maintaining bright and fluffy white towels, worthy of a five-star resort, requires a slightly more refined approach. 

The reality is that after time bathroom towels can lose their lustre and start to become dull, scratchy and less absorbent. So, how do you maintain white towels to keep them luxurious and spa-like for as long as possible? 

We've asked industry experts for their top laundry tips and advice to compile the below step-by-step guide to washing white towels.

How to wash white towels

According to a recent survey by Christy, 75% of respondents questioned would love their home to look and feel like a 5-star hotel. And, over 34% of those surveyed would like to replicate luxury hotels in their bathroom. 

Typically you will find 'white' towels in a luxury hotel. To get that top-quality look and feel not only do you have to invest in the best towels, but knowing how to look after them is also a key to their long-lasting brightness and softness.

Here's how to wash white towels like a professional.

What you will need

• Washing machine
• Laundry detergent
• Stain remover
• White vinegar 
• Baking soda (optional)
• Laundry bleach (optional)
• Tumble dryer / heated towel rail ( optional)

1. Separate towels

As with washing all laundry, first separate white towels from coloured versions. 

'Begin by sorting your towels based on colour to prevent any potential colour bleeding during the wash', explains Gwilym Snook, heated laundry at AO

'Also, sort your towels based on fabric type, as different fabrics may require specific care.'

2. Pre-treat stains

If desired you can use a bleach to pre-treat stains. It is advised to use a non-chlorine oxygen bleach ( sodium per-carbonate and hydrogen peroxide) as it's considered gentler and more eco-friendly than chlorine bleach. 

Oxygen bleach also makes an effective pre-wash treatment to soak out discolouring from sweat, body oils and skin-care products. Oxygen bleach can also be added to the wash cycle. Read the product instructions and use sparingly.

'The occasional use of bleach is okay if you want to boost the brightness or get rid of stubborn stains, however, regular use is not recommended as it can weaken the towel’s fibres and decrease its longevity', says Victoria Bennion, Head of Category (MDA) at Currys.

Ideal Home Editor Molly Cleary swears-by Ecover's Laundry Bleach, available on Amazon, as her top hack to keep towels white. 

3. Add baking soda

Oxygen bleach can be harsh on fabrics and is not advised for every wash, so consider adding a natural food cupboard staple instead. 

Baking soda is a housekeeping secret that has been used for decades to brighten and deodorise white laundry. The gentler ingredient can be used in every wash.

'110 grams of baking soda to your usual detergent. This softens the water and helps to remove dirt and stains,' says Ashleigh Tosh from Healthy Shop

4. Replace laundry softener with white vinegar

Experts warn that when washing towels (of any colour), to keep fabrics soft fresh and fluffy, laundry softener is not to be used. This is because fabric softener leaves a residue on fibres that makes the towels rough, hard and less absorbent. Instead, you should learn how to wash towels with vinegar. It is really easy and simply involves switching your laundry softener for white vinegar.

'Add your towels to the washing machine drum as you usually would, with your detergent. Then simply add no more than half a cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener drawer,' says cleaning expert and Product Development Scientist at Astonish, Olivia Young.

'The combination of detergent and vinegar will not only help remove odours and stains, but it will also help stop your towels from stiffening.'

5. Wash on a gentle cycle

A hot wash will blast away any bacteria lingering in white towels. However, regular cycles at high temperatures will eventually damage fibres. It's more practical and economical to use a cooler wash.

'Towels don’t have to be washed at a high temperature so turning your machine down to 30 degrees will save you money, electricity and help protect the environment,' says Laura Harnett, founder of Seep Eco Tools.

'It’ll also help to extend the lifecycle of the towel as high temperatures can cause premature wear and tear as they’re too harsh for fabrics. 

Don’t overload the washing machine either as this can stop towels from being cleaned effectively and may mean they need to be washed twice.

 As a rule of thumb, aim to fill the washing machine two-thirds full and never up to three-quarters. This will also help to save your electricity and water usage.'

6. Shake towels and dry

Once clean, white towels can be dried on a gentle setting in the tumble dryer, on heated airer or outside on a washing line if weather permits. 

The key is to give towels a good shake to loosen towel fibres so they fluff up as they dry. If using a tumble dryer, dryer balls or a tennis ball added to the load will help to trap air in between the fabrics to decrease drying time.

'Shaking excess water out of your towels before putting them in the dryer will help fluff the terry loops and keep them absorbent', says Jessica Hanley, Founder of Piglet in Bed.

'Allow your towels to complete a full cycle in the dryer and then finish by air drying if any dampness remains. Resist the urge to speed drying times by ironing your towels, as this will just reduce absorbency.'

7. Fold and store

Store clean white towels in drawers and cupboards preferably out of the bathroom.

'Folding your towels is a great way to save space and ensure they stay in good shape', advises Jessica Hanely.

Once in use ensure there are plenty of bathroom towel storage ideas to hang fabrics off the floor when there is plenty of ventilation in the room. Hooks, racks, towel ladders and heated radiators are practical options.

Experts recommend that towels should be washed every three to four uses. 

FAQs

Follow these tips and your white towels should be left gleaming and bright for years to come.

Drying ourselves with a gorgeously soft bath towel is one of the little luxuries to enjoy at the end (or start) of every day. What's not so luxurious is using a towel that feels hard enough to crack after a hot shower or soak - if you've experienced this lately, it's time to learn how to wash bath towels the right way.

The best bath towels have specific laundry requirements, and it's important to know what these are if we want to maintain their softness for as long as possible. There are a few components to consider, including choosing the right detergent, selecting the correct cycle, and storing towels correctly afterwards.

Once you know how to wash bath towels properly, you'll be able to keep towels fresh between uses as well. We've spoken to cleaning and laundry experts to get all their top tips on bath towel care, so you can keep yours fresh and feather-like for years to come.

What you need

• Towels
• A washing machine
• Laundry detergent, such as the Persil Non Bio Liquid Detergent (ideal for towels as it's formulated to be nice and gentle)
• White vinegar (optional) - if you need to stock up, you can get a 5L bottle for £5.99 on Amazon
• Baking soda (optional), like this pack of 2 for £5.39
• Tea tree oil (optional) - we love the Handcraft Blends Tea Tree Essential Oil
• A tennis ball or tumble dryer balls (optional), such as this Pack of 4 Organic Laundry Balls, £7.99 from Amazon

1. Wash once a week

Knowing how often to wash your towels is the first step to maintaining their softness. The experts advise once a week for the average bathroom setting.

'I’d always say to base how frequently you clean an item like this on your specific household and usage,' Rikki Fothergill, bathroom expert at Big Bathroom Shop says. 'Whilst once a week is recommended, if you live alone or in a quiet footfall household two weeks should be enough to keep your bath towel looking and smelling fresh.'

But, Rikki says you might need to up the frequency at this time of year. 'As we head into winter, it’s important to note that with increased humidity levels that you may want to wash more often than usual to avoid build-up of mould.'

For best practise, try sticking to once a week to keep your bath towels fresh.

2. Separate linens

As bath sheets are large and bulky, the best practice is to wash them in an isolated washing machine load.

First, separate the fabrics into light and dark to avoid colour running. 'Begin by sorting your towels based on colour to prevent any potential colour bleeding during the wash,' explains Gwilym Snook from the heated laundry department at AO.

'Also, sort your towels based on fabric type, as different fabrics may require specific care.'

3. Pre-treat stains

Experts advise that bath towels should be machine washed on a gentle cycle to prolong their quality, so it's wise to pre-treat any stains first. Look for any obvious marks that need eliminating and spot soak with laundry detergent - we've found one of the best cleaning products for stain removal to be Ecovers liquid stain removal, available on Amazon or Vanish, available at most supermarkets. They both work a treat.

'Apply a small amount of detergent directly onto the stain, gently rub it in, and let it sit for a few minutes,' Baqir Khan, cleaning expert and owner of Proactive Cleaners advises.

'Always avoid using detergents or stain removers containing optical brighteners or bleach as these may leave marks on your towel', add Emily and Jonathan Attwood, Founders of Scooms.

4. Load the washing machine

Loading a washing machine for a towel wash may seem self-explanatory, but a vital tip when knowing how to wash bath towels is not to overfill the drum. Aside from not cleaning your towels properly, overloading will lead to problems with your machine (we'd all rather avoid fixing a noisy washing machine if possible).

'One tip that's good for every wash, including towels, is to never overfill the washing machine load,' says Victoria Bennion, Head of Category (MDA) at Curry's.

'This allows them to have enough room to wash thoroughly, and ensures the spin function works properly to remove excess water, allowing the towels to dry quicker post wash.'

5. Add detergent

When washing towels with detergent, less is more. Too much can lead to soap and sud residue build-up that increases the chance of bacteria.

Sophie Lane, Product Training Manager at Miele GB says, 'Towels are not as dirty as you might think, as they are usually used to dry “clean” people, so always use less detergent than suggested.

'To keep towels soft, make sure that all detergent is rinsed away to make sure no soap or residue is left in the fabric. Detergent residue build up causes towels to be less absorbent, hard and rough when they are dry. Adding an extra rinse or on Miele washing machines, the Water Plus option will help.'

As you'll only be using a small amount of gentle detergent, the experts also recommend adding tea tree oil, to help get that extra soft fluffiness at the end. 'Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your washing machine when washing your towels,' Lucy Ackroyd, Head of Design at Christy says. 'This natural oil has antibacterial properties that can help to kill odour-causing bacteria.'

6. Skip fabric softener

Contrary to popular belief adding fabric softer to a towel wash will not keep them soft in the long run.

'Fabric softener eventually clogs the fabric and often contains animal fats which over time will contribute to blockages and mould forming in your washing machine. This will reduce its performance and end up costing more, both environmentally and financially', says Laura Harnett, founder of Seep Eco Tools.

'Fabric softener is also especially bad for towels as it coats the fabric and reduces absorbency.'

7. Consider vinegar

As an eco-friendly (and towel-friendly) alternative to fabric softener, the experts recommend using white vinegar. Cleaning with vinegar is a tried and tested method for many items, bath towels amongst them.

Learning how to clean towels with white vinegar is as simple as swapping it for laundry softener to keep towels soft and fresh. 'Softening your towels with white vinegar is a great way to ensure the soapy residue is broken down, which will prevent them from feeling rough and stiff,' Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Drench explains.

'Simply wash your towels on a cycle of detergent and one cup of white vinegar in the tray and wash as normal. There’s no need to rinse the towels after the wash. Doing this once every few weeks will be enough to keep your towels soft for the foreseeable future. The vinegar will also help to clean your washing machine!'

8. Wash towels on a gentle cycle

The best temperature to wash towels will make a big difference in maintaining their condition. To keep cloth fibres strong, the experts recommend washing bath towels on a gentle cycle (no more than 40 degrees). Choose the warmest water appropriate for the fabric according to the care label.

'You may think that hotter temperatures are better for cleaning clothes, but towels are best washed in temperatures around 30-40 degrees,' says Nancy Emery.

'Warm water absorbs detergent better, in turn leaving less chemical build up on your towels, which makes them feel stiff. 30 or 40 degrees will eliminate most of your bacteria and preserve your towel fibres.'

'We recommend sticking to 30 degrees as towels don't need to be washed on a high temperature,' Laura from Seep eco tools agrees. 'This will help to extend the lifecycle of the towel as high temperatures can cause premature wear and tear as they’re too harsh for fabrics.'

9. Tumble dry

Once clean, remove your towels from the washing machine and shake them to breathe new life into the fibres. Dryer balls will decrease drying time and help soften fabrics naturally.

'You can dry towels in a tumble dryer but choose a low setting to protect the material. Adding a tennis ball to the dryer while the towel is inside will help to make them nice and fluffy', says Emily Barron, cleaning expert at Property Rescue.

...or air dry

Some experts recommend avoiding the tumble dryer altogether as even low heat can damage fibres. Instead, when the weather is fine, dry towels outside in natural daylight and shake them to fluff up before folding.

'Too much harsh heat can damage the cotton of your towels, which can be another reason why they feel hard. Line washing is the most environmentally friendly way to dry towels, so if you're drying them this way, you should shake the towels once they’ve dried to fluff them up,’ explains, Nancy Emery.

However, if you can't dry towels outdoors, there are other methods such as using a heated airer, or most of the best dehumidifiers feature a laundry drying function.

10. Fold and store

The final stage of knowing how to wash bath towels is using proper towel storage ideas that will help maintain their freshness. Before folding, shake to loosen the loops.

'Always shake your towels after they have dried to help loosen the threads. Shaking your towels will soften them, making them easier to fold,' continues Rachael Shah.

For best results, ensure towels are fully dry before folding and store them in a closed drawer or an organised linen cupboard out of the bathroom.

'Any towel that is damp when stored away could cause mildew and musty smells to form,' says Rachael Shah, Head of Sustainability at Linen Connect. 'Ensuring your towels are dry before storing them away will help to keep them smelling fresh.'

Avoid stacking freshly laundered bath towels on top of one another as this can flatten the fluffiness. 'Storing towels side by side instead of in stacks will ensure that the bottom towels aren't crushed by the ones above,' Nancy Emery adds.

You can also try towel rolling hacks as a neat way to display them.

Our current favourite bath towels

FAQs

How to get hard towels soft again?

There are a few things you can do to increase the softness of towels that have gone hard. First, skip the fabric softener as it coats the fabric and reduces absorbency. Instead, add a cup of white vinegar to the detergent drawer.

'The acidity of the vinegar cuts through the build up of soap and returns towels to their fluffy softness,' Laura Harnett from seep says. 'This only needs to be done every few washes as well, not each time.'

You should also use a gentle detergent and stick to a lower temperature wash cycle, like 30 degrees. Basically, less is more.

How do you deep clean bath towels?

White vinegar is a great option for deep cleaning bath towels. 'It is naturally antibacterial and acidic meaning it will remove sweat, oils, other stains and residue from shower gels and shampoo,' Emma explains.

To give your towels a real refresh, fill a sink or bath with plenty of warm water, and add one cup of white vinegar for every bucket of water used. 'Simply soak your towels for 30 minutes in the solution and then rub them between your hands to remove any marks or stains and ensure the liquid has fully penetrated the fabric,' Laura advises. 'They can then be squeezed to remove excess water and hung out to dry.'

This will tackle any lingering musty smells, as well as any stains. If the scent of vinegar is still on your towel afterwards, add some tea tree oil to your next wash load to eliminate this.

Now you know how to wash bath towels properly, you can look forward to being greeted by hotel-standard fluffiness after your next bath or shower.

When it comes to cleaning towels, using white vinegar has long been a clever hack for keep them soft and clean. However, if you'r familiar with the strong scent you might be wondering how to clean towels with vinegar, and avoid that lingering odour. Fortunately, we have the answer.

Cleaning with white vinegar is a housekeeper's secret weapon and has been part of cleaning caddies for centuries. Distilled white vinegar is also a go-to ingredient when it comes to washing laundry. If you already know how to clean bath towels the right way, then you'll know that too much laundry detergent can hinder towel absorbency and quality. For the same reason, it is advised that laundry softeners should be avoided altogether.

This is where white vinegar comes in. The gentle acidity in distilled white vinegar breaks down laundry detergent build-up and acts as a natural fabric softener. Once dry, towels are left as fluffy as the day they were purchased, or near on. 

How to wash towels with vinegar

We've asked the experts to share their tips on how to wash towels with vinegar so that you can give your best bath towels a well-deserved deep clean to rid them of any soap residue and bacteria build-up that may have accumulated. 

Here's how to wash towels with white vinegar, leaving them soft, bouncy and smelling fresh. 

You will need

• Towels
• A washing machine
• White vinegar
• Water
• Laundry detergent (optional)
• Dryer balls or a tennis ball (optional)
• Bucket (optional)

Select and separate towels

As with all laundry, the best practice is to separate the items into light and dark to avoid colour runs.  Towels are big and bulky so wash only towels together.

'Separating your lights, darks, and colours is a well-known laundering rule and is equally important when washing towels. Washing similar coloured towels together will ensure they  won’t succumb to discolouration,' says Rachael Shah, Head of Sustainability, at Linen Connect. 

How to wash towels with vinegar in the washing machine

Fill the washing machine drum with towels in small loads. Overloading may hinder the cleaning process and can lead to soap-residue build-up and musty odours.

Lydia Lloyd, Homeware Textile Designer and Insider at M&S Home explains, 'To achieve soft, fluffy towels at home, pay attention to how many items you place in the washing machine. If the load is too full, this can put a strain on the washer and cause bathroom towels to smell less fresh.'

Add detergent as normal, and then pour around 250ml of white distilled vinegar into the softener drawer.

Set the cycle temperature or program as per the towel label instructions. 

'You may want to opt for an extra rinse to ensure all detergent and vinegar are removed', advises, Victoria Bennion, Head of Category (MDA) at white goods and tech retailer Currys. 

'Don’t worry if the towels still have a vinegar smell when coming out of the washing machine, this will dissipate during drying.'

Once the washing machine cycle has finished, remove the towels from the drum and shake to fluff up the fibres.

How to hand wash towels with vinegar

The majority of our experts advise washing towels with vinegar in a washing machine along with the recommended amount of laundry detergent to fully banish bacteria.

However, white vinegar can be used to clean towels with a soak and hand wash.

'White vinegar can even be used to clean towels without the need of putting them through the washing machine. It is naturally anti-bacterial and acidic meaning it will remove sweat, oils, other stains and also residue from shower gels and shampoo,' explains Laura Harnett, founder of Seep Eco Tools.

'Fill a sink, bucket or bath with enough warm water to cover your towels and add one cup of white vinegar for every bucket of water used.

Simply soak your towels for 30 minutes in the solution and then rub them between your hands to remove any marks or stains and ensure the liquid has fully penetrated the fabric,' continues Laura.

After 30 minutes, rinse, squeeze, shake and hang out to dry.

Top tip: Dry spin towels in the washing machine after soaking and rinsing to remove access water.

Should you include baking soda?

As well as white vinegar, consider adding a sprinkling of baking soda to your laundry rinse wash. Vinegar and baking soda together become a real powerhouse for laundry cleaning as the addition of baking soda helps to deodorise and brighten fabrics. 

'Replace fabric softener with baking soda to loosen the fibres of your towel. Baking soda not only helps to brighten up your towels and keep them soft, but it also keeps odours at bay. Half a cup of baking soda per load will do the trick, along with your normal detergent,' says, Nancy Emery.

Dry towels

Dry on a gentle setting in the tumble dryer to protect the fibres. Dryer balls will trap air inbetween the fabrics and decrease drying time. Or, shake and hang on a line in natural daylight.

'Avoid overfilling the drying machine to allow the warm heat to circulate. Towels are best when they aren’t overdried, so consider stopping the cycle early and allowing the towels to breathe on an air dryer,' says  Emily Barron at  Property Rescue.

What are the benefits of cleaning towels with vinegar?

The acidic yet gentle product acts as a natural fabric softener as its components break down any soap-residue left in fibres after washing.

Other benefits include maintaining the colour of towels and acting as a mild disinfectant.

How often to wash towels with vinegar

'Washing towels with vinegar once every few weeks will be enough to keep your towels soft for the foreseeable future. The vinegar will also help to clean your washing machine,' says Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Drench.

FAQs

This is definitely not one of those old wives tales, this is a cleaning hack that really works.

Using white towels at home comes with all sorts of risks, with make-up, hair dye and other marks more likely to show up.

One product from cleaning brand Ecover is currently a little bit of a viral sensation thanks to its ability to banish any stains on your white towels and keep them looking as good as new. 

In my role as Ecommerce Editor for appliances and cleaning, I of course love trying out the best cleaning products, and have white bath towels at home (to the horror of the rest of the Ideal Home team). 

That meant trying out Ecover's Laundry Bleach was a no-brainer for me, especially thanks to the bargain price (£1.60 at Amazon). At a time when we're all trying to cut the cost of laundry, I hoped the fans of this product online were right about this one. 

Here's how I got on with trying to transform my towels back to their former on-the-shelf colour.

Ecover Laundry Bleach 

So what is the magic buy that cleaning enthusiasts have been raving about? It's Ecover's Laundry Bleach, a vegan-friendly product from the beloved eco brand that contains no chlorine or optical brighteners. 

Even better, it's fragrance-free and uses an oxygen-based bleaching agent, so you don't need to fret about the kind of chemicals you're chucking in alongside your precious whites.

Though I love all things cleaning-related, I am guilty of taking a quick way out when it comes to throwing a wash load on. That meant that when faced with the option of pre-soaking my stained towels in warm water with bleach or simply adding it to the washing machine drawer, I just chose the latter. 

I popped two teaspoons in the drawer following pack instructions and set off the machine on a 40-degree wash. Cleverly, my machine, the Haier I-Pro Series 5 has a setting that detects the weight of your wash and tells you how long you should wash for, so I went with that as normal. 

I was genuinely impressed with how white my towels were when they emerged from the wash, so much so that I've ditched my usual laundry routine to fit this product in.  

Gone were the array of stains from before (some of which, like tea, I'd purposefully spilt on there to actually test this out) and the overall shade of white was much improved. 

One of the things that impressed me most about this product is the savvy price - this bleach is much cheaper per 100 grams than my usual clothes whitening alternative Vanish , and just one teaspoon goes a seriously long way. 

I'm sold on this product switch as part of my laundry routine. Will you be trying this one out on your white towels?

A small but mighty addition to your home, the best bath towels have the potential to make or break your morning shower or relaxing evening soak. Sometimes the smallest purchases make the biggest difference in our day-to-day lives, so getting the purchase right is important. Whether you want to invest and spend a little bit more or you have a budget to stick to, this guide will have the right bath towel for your needs.

A bathroom can sometimes be a forgotten space, but injecting a spa-like feel will instantly make it feel like somewhere you actually want to relax in. While you want a wash space to feel clean and bright, adding plush towels and plenty of texture will make it warm and homely, too.

This is why we've rounded up the best bath towels on the Ideal Home team's radar in this guide, curating the best luxury bath towels from high street names like John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, as well as online retailers such as Bed Threads and La Redoute. From affordable picks to quick-dry towels that will have you ready for bed (or the day) in a flash, these are the best bath towels on our radar.

Best bath towels

Best bath towels

Where to shop for the best bath towels

Got a specific colour in mind? If our top picks above haven't sorted your dream bathroom colour scheme then this is our round-up of the best places to shop for bath towels.

• Amazon bath towels
• Christy bath towels
• Dunelm bath towels
• Ethical Superstore bath towels
• John Lewis & Partners bath towels
• M&S bath towels
• Soak & Sleep bath towels
• The White Company bath towels
• The Towel Shop bath towels
• Wayfair bath towels
• Bed Threads bath towels

How to choose the best bath towels

Adding new bath towels to your bathroom is one of the best ways to make your bathroom look more expensive on a budget. But when choosing a bath towel for your bathroom, there are some key things you need to consider before taking the plunge. So, we’ve laid them out below so you can make the right decision for you and your bathroom:

The material: There are so many bath towels out there, made from so many different materials. It’s always a good idea to do your research and figure out what material works best for your needs and which one ticks more of your boxes.

The GSM: You’ll notice that GSM varies drastically when searching for new bathroom towels. On average, though, it’s best for bath towels to have a GSM of at least 500 or more.

The towel construction: Emily and Jonathan Attwood, Founders of bedding and bath brand Scooms, explain, ‘The yarns that make up the pile of your towel can either be woven into loops (zero twist) or they can be twisted. Zero twist towels are softer, feel more luxurious and dry faster. Twisted or low twist yarns use lower quality cotton, are harder and less absorbent.’ So, always check this before you buy, too.

The size: Most retailers will offer the same towel in various different sizes, ranging from a small face cloth to a large bath sheet. Always make sure you know what sizes you need and want before buying.

The colour: While the colour of your bath towels won’t have a big impact on the practicality side of things, they will allow you the chance to match your towels to your chosen colour scheme. You could either opt for neutral colours that blend in or go bold with bright colours that really pop.

FAQs

What is GSM?

You’ll see this abbreviation frequently when sourcing towels – it’s like the thread count associated with bedding. GSM stands for ‘grams per square metre’. Put simply, it’s the way weight is measured for towels. Typically speaking, the higher the GSM the higher the thickness of the towel. Therefore the higher the GSM attributed, the more luxurious a towel is considered.

'The GSM is a good indication of how heavy and dense a towel is. Generally, the higher the GSM, the thicker and more absorbent the towel will be. When deciding on the GSM, think about how you’ll use your towel and how often. Lightweight towels dry quicker, but heavyweight towels have a more luxurious feel', explains Lucy Comer, partner & bath shop buyer at John Lewis & Partners.

What is the best bath towel material?

'Cotton is the most traditionally used material for bathroom towels, as it is extremely durable and absorbent' says John Lewis & Partners' Lucy Comer. However, not all cotton towels are of the same quality. As well as GSM, which denotes the towel's thickness, look out for these terms when shopping to find the softest and longest-lasting pile.

Supima cotton is known as the 'cashmere of cotton' to quote Sarah Smith, Head of Buying at bedding and bathroom retailer Soak & Sleep, and for good reason! Grown only in the USA to exceptionally high standards, the fibres are longer and stronger than any other kind of cotton. They are therefore the most expensive towels, so consider them as a long-term investment.

Egyptian cotton towels are a good alternative to costly Supima towels. They are super soft, durable and highly absorbent thanks to the long, thick loops. These towels are only slightly less luxurious and this is reflected in their price.

Turkish cotton is another option. They can be a good choice for those who have less space in their bathroom and prefer a thinner, faster-drying towel. ‘Turkish cotton long staple fibres are thinner than Egyptian cotton, and though still strong and sleek, will produce towels that may be less absorbent but quicker to dry,’ explain Emily and Jonathan of Scooms.

Zero twist is a term you will see when researching towels. It means the cotton is spun with an open loop with no twist, giving a softer and more plush feel.

What is the best bath towel colour?

There are two camps when it comes to choosing bath towels; patterned and coloured vs plain white. There's no right or wrong, it just depends on the look you're going for.

Plain white bath towels will bring a hotel chic look to any bathroom and can complement any scheme, dark or light. But be mindful of keeping your whites bright – especially if you use a lot of beauty products as it can be tricky to remove those mascara and foundation marks!

If you want your towels to make a statement, choose a contrasting colour or pattern. For a more subtle look, choose towels that tone with your tiles and flooring.

Checkerboard towels are really on trend right now and act as a simple way of adding pattern to a bathroom. Picking a colour scheme for a bathroom can be tricky so if you're inclined to keep the design pared-back then consider adding an affordable twist through your towels.

How often should you buy new towels?

There's no general rule of thumb when it comes to buying new towels but if your towels are looking a tad threadbare, it may be a good time to invest in some new ones.

'You should replace your towels every one to two years, but if you buy top quality ones and care for them, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions, they could well last up to three years,' explain Emily and Jonathan Attwood, Founders of Scooms.

'Once you notice your towel is no longer drying as well as it used to, it’s becoming rough to the touch or it’s not cleaning properly, then it’s time to replace it. Lingering odours, fraying edges and a scratchy feel are all signs that a towel needs replacing and that you’ll need to buy new ones.'

How we test bath towels

You'll find full details of the Ideal Home review process on our how we test page.

In order to select the best bath towels for this round-up, we've tried and tested bestselling product ranges, done a deep dive into specifications and technical details, quizzed the Ideal Home team for their expert knowledge and experience, and asked friends and family for their top-rated products. We've also taken multiple showers using the items in this guide to make sure they're up to scratch.

We also took into account third-party opinions via online reviews and only include products that have a 4-star rating or higher and plenty of positive customer feedback.