Ever stayed at a hotel and wondered how their towels always look fresh, crisp, and spotless? No fading, no stains—just perfectly soft and white towels every single time. It’s not luck; hotels follow hotel laundry secrets that keep their towels in top shape.
So, how do hotels keep towels white? The trick lies in using the best detergent for white towels, washing them at the right temperature, and applying special towel whitening techniques. Many also prefer alternatives of bleach for towels to maintain fabric quality while keeping stains away.
Then again, it’s not just about washing; proper drying, storage, and routine maintenance play a big role in keeping towels bright white. Hotels follow a strict hotel-grade towel cleaning process, and with the right techniques, you can achieve the same results at home.
8 Ways Hotels Keep Their Towels White
1. Bleach White Towels
Hotels take commercial towel whitening seriously, and bleach is often part of the process. Depending on the fabric, they use oxygen bleach or chlorine bleach—oxygen bleach is gentler and ideal for delicate towels, while chlorine bleach tackles tougher stains.
At home, if you’re aiming for keeping your towels bright white, using the right bleach matters. But be careful—bleach can weaken fibers if overused. Always dilute it properly and never mix it with other cleaners to avoid damaging your towels.
2. Use Optimal Water Temperature
Temperature plays a huge role in hotel towel maintenance. “Washing towels in cold water” ? That could be why they lose their shine over time. Hotels rely on whitening towels naturally by using hot water, which not only lifts stains but also kills bacteria and germs.
The trick is checking the care label—some fabrics handle high heat well, while others need a moderate setting. Hot water also fluffs up towels, giving them that soft, fresh-out-of-the-laundry feel.
3. Use Quality Laundry Detergent
Not all detergents are the same. Hotels use the best detergent for white towels, typically a heavy-duty powder detergent with powerful stain-fighting agents. Powder detergents often contain phosphates, which break down dirt, sweat, and oils more effectively than liquid detergents.
Some hotels even add a bit of baking soda to their wash cycles as a natural brightener. For hotel-grade towel cleaning at home, opt for high-quality detergents instead of regular household brands.
4. Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine
Stuffing too many towels into the washer? Hotels never make that mistake. While washing towels in bulk is common, they ensure towels have enough space to move freely in the drum.
Overloading prevents proper cleaning because water and detergent can’t circulate evenly. That’s why hotels do multiple loads instead of cramming everything into one wash. If you want truly soft and white towels care, give them enough room to get thoroughly cleaned.
5. Pre-Soak Towels
A tough stain? Hotels don’t just throw towels into the wash and hope for the best. Instead, they pre-soak towels using bleach alternatives for towels like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or oxygen bleach.
This step helps loosen stubborn stains, break down body oils, and eliminate musty odors before the wash cycle even starts. If your towels have that damp smell, try soaking them in a mix of baking soda and vinegar before washing.
6. Air Dry or Use Low Heat
Ever noticed how towels become stiff and scratchy after repeated washing? That’s often due to high-heat drying. Hotels avoid this by either air drying their towels or using a low-heat setting to preserve fabric quality.
High heat weakens towel fibers, making them rough over time. If possible, dry your towels in sunlight—it’s a natural method for whitening towels. If using a dryer, keep the temperature low and take towels out while they’re still slightly damp to prevent over-drying.
7. Treat Stains Promptly
Hotels never let stains sit. Whether it’s makeup, coffee, or sweat marks, they treat stains promptly using hotel laundry secrets like lemon juice, vinegar, or professional stain removers.
The key is acting fast—blot, don’t rub, to avoid spreading the stain. Rinse with cold water before tossing the towel into the wash. For white towels, a mild bleach soak can help remove lingering marks.
8. Hire Professional Laundering Services
Many hotels skip the hassle of in-house laundry and outsource towel cleaning to professionals. These services use premium detergents, industrial machines, and advanced whitening techniques to keep linens looking brand new.
If keeping towels fresh feels like too much work, consider using a laundry service occasionally. They use specialized solutions and eco-friendly practices to maintain soft and white towels care, extending the life of your towels while keeping them spotless.
Maintaining Towels White in the Long Run
Getting towels white is one thing—keeping towels bright white is a whole different challenge. How do hotels keep towels white- they follow strict hotel towel maintenance routines to prevent dullness, stains, and fabric wear over time. The good news? You don’t need industrial machines or professional cleaning services to achieve the same results. With the right care, your towels can stay fresh, fluffy, and spotless just like those in luxury hotels.
Rotate the Towels Regularly
Towels go through a lot—constant washing, drying, and exposure to body oils. Over time, certain areas may wear out faster, leading to uneven discoloration. To avoid this, hotels rotate towels regularly, ensuring even usage across all towels in circulation. This simple trick prevents some towels from looking faded while others stay bright.
For home, alternating between different towel sets can make a big difference. Try using multiple sets in rotation instead of relying on just one or two. It spreads out wear and tear, keeping all your towels looking newer for longer.
Store Towels Properly
How you store towels matters just as much as how you wash them. Hotels never toss damp towels into a closet—they ensure every towel is completely dry before storing to prevent mildew buildup. How do hotels keep towels white? Well, hotel laundry involve keeping towels in a cool, dry area with plenty of ventilation, reducing the risk of musty odors.
At home, always let towels air out after washing. If possible, store them in a linen closet with proper airflow instead of stacking them in a tightly closed space. Folding them neatly also helps maintain their fluffiness and prevents creases from forming.
Follow Care Label Instructions
Not all towels are made the same, which is why hotels carefully follow care label instructions for washing and drying. Using the wrong detergent, heat setting, or wash cycle can ruin a towel’s softness and brightness.
If a towel requires unique detergent for white towels, hotels make sure they use one with powerful stain-fighting ingredients. If it needs a lower drying temperature, they adjust accordingly. At home, if you’ve lost the care label, check the manufacturer’s website for specific washing recommendations to avoid damaging your towels.
Wash Towels Periodically
Hotels don’t wait for towels to look dirty before washing them. Regular cleaning is essential for soft and white towels, as it removes accumulated dirt, oils, and bacteria before they become deeply embedded in the fabric.
At home, washing towels at least once a week is a good rule of thumb. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to restore their brightness. So, how do hotels keep towels white? A routine washing schedule helps maintain that hotel-grade towel cleaning standard, ensuring your towels stay fresh and fluffy for longer.
Want Your White Towels to Shine? Outsource Your Laundry
Hotels understand that keeping towels soft and white isn’t just about washing them—it’s about following a meticulous routine that requires time, effort, and the right cleaning solutions. That’s why many hotels outsource towel cleaning to professionals who specialize in commercial towel whitening techniques. With industrial-grade machines, expert stain removal methods, and precise care routines, these services help maintain the fresh, crisp quality that guests expect.
If you want to achieve the same spotless results without the hassle, outsourcing your laundry can be a game-changer. Professional laundries use hotel-grade towel cleaning techniques, high-quality detergents, and bleach alternatives for towels to prevent yellowing while preserving fabric softness. This means your towels will stay bright white and fluffy for much longer, even with frequent use.
For those in New York looking for a reliable laundry service, Bubble Bliss Laundromat offers expert care for your linens and towels. Whether it’s regular washes, deep cleaning, or stain removal, their team understands how do hotels keep towels white and applies the same professional methods. By letting the experts handle your laundry, you save time and ensure your towels maintain that luxurious hotel-like freshness every time you use them.
Wrapping Up
So, how do hotels keep towels white? The secret lies in a combination of proper washing techniques, whitening towels naturally, treating stains immediately, and using the right detergents and drying methods.
By following these expert tips, anyone can achieve hotel-like towel cleanliness at home. Whether you choose to wash them yourself or opt for professional laundering, the key is consistent care. White towels don’t stay pristine on their own—it takes effort and the right approach to maintain them for the long haul.
