Hotel towels are at a whole new level. Crisp white, plush, and always smelling fresh, they somehow stay looking brand new, no matter how many guests use them. Meanwhile, at home, a couple of laundry cycles, your towels often look tired.
So, how do hotels keep towels white without fail? That’s the magic we’re unpacking. Hotels follow a smart and consistent system that combines high-quality products, temperature control, and quick stain treatment. It’s more than just looks. It’s about hygiene, longevity, and making laundry work smarter, not harder.
8 Ways Hotels Keep Their Towels White
Achieving that bright, white look for towels is a detailed process that hotels have perfected. That’s why the question of how do hotels keep towels white keeps popping up.
It’s all in the method.
Bleach White Towels
Bleach handles the heavy work of whitening, but hotels don’t just add it in every load. Most prefer oxygen bleach, a type of hydrogen peroxide that lifts stains and sanitizes without damaging fibers. It’s one of the most effective alternatives to bleach for towels, especially when used regularly in small amounts.
Chlorine bleach is used sparingly for deeper cleans, typically on linens that are especially stained. It’s powerful — though a little too harsh for everyday use.
| Bleach Type | Purpose | Hotel Use |
| Oxygen Bleach (Hydrogen Peroxide) | Everyday stain removal and brightening | ✅ Safe and common |
| Chlorine Bleach | Deep sterilization and tough stain lifting | ⚠️ Limited use only |
Use Optimal Water Temperature
Towels washed in hot water come out cleaner, fresher, and whiter. That’s because high temperatures help break down oils, kill bacteria, and remove unpleasant odors — something cold water just doesn’t do as effectively.
Of course, it’s always important to check the care label. Not all fabrics handle heat the same way. Wash & fold service providers always considers fabric type to ensure every item is cleaned gently and correctly.
This step is one of the core hotel laundry secrets, and it makes a huge difference in results.
Use Quality Laundry Detergent
Hotels don’t use whatever’s on sale. Their detergents are heavy-duty powders, packed with enzymes and phosphates that help break down buildup and restore brightness.
Many hotel laundries skip liquid detergents entirely, opting for commercial-grade solutions that offer both whitening and deodorizing. Some might add a fabric softener — just enough to maintain softness without affecting absorbency.
At Bubble Bliss, our organic laundry and dry cleaning products are eco-friendly and safe, supporting soft and white towels care from start to finish.
Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine
An overloaded washer doesn’t clean properly. Towels need space to move so water and detergent can do their job.
Hotels use commercial machines built for washing towels in bulk — they’re larger, faster, and more thorough.
Even if you’re washing at home, keep loads light for a better clean.
Pre-Soak Towels
Hotels don’t just toss dirty towels straight into the wash. Towels with heavy stains are usually pre-soaked in vinegar or oxygen bleach to lift grime before the cycle begins.
For musty smells, a little baking soda does the trick. These are simple techniques that support whitening towels naturally, without relying on harsh chemicals.
Air Dry or Use Low Heat
High heat can damage towel fibers, making them feel rough and look worn. Hotels avoid this by air drying or using low-heat settings in dryers. The result is, towels stay soft and last longer.
Treat Stains Promptly
Timing is everything when it comes to stains. Hotels have systems in place to check every towel before it gets washed. If a mark is spotted, it’s treated immediately by using either natural options like lemon juice or vinegar, or a professional-grade solution.
This kind of proactive care is part of hotel towel maintenance, and it’s one reason their linens last so long.
Hire Professional Laundering Services
Truth is, most hotels outsource laundry. It’s faster, more consistent, and ensures expert-level results. Services that specialize in commercial towel whitening have the right tools, detergents, and processes in place to deliver spotless towels on a large scale.
Laundromats provide hotel-grade towel cleaning along with same-day pickup and delivery for both residential and wholesale clients. Whether you’re sending out a single load or your entire business inventory, they handle it with care and precision.
Maintaining Towels White in the Long Run
A one-time deep clean isn’t enough. Hotels follow long-term practices to keep their towels looking fresh week after week. Here’s what they do:
Rotate the Towels Regularly
Using the same batch of towels repeatedly causes uneven wear. Hotels rotate towels frequently to ensure all sets are used evenly. This maintains a consistent texture and prevents premature discoloration.
Store Towels Properly
Storing damp towels is how mildew and yellowing begin. Hotels always dry towels completely before folding and keep them in cool, well-ventilated spaces.
This step is easy to do at home. Make sure towels are fully dry, fold them neatly, and store them in a dry cabinet, not near a steamy shower or in the basement.
Follow Care Label Instructions
Care tags provide all the necessary information — water temperature, spin speed, drying instructions. Hotels follow them closely.
Wash Towels Periodically
Hotels don’t wait until towels appear dirty. They are washed regularly, sometimes after just one use, to prevent bacteria and odor buildup.
At home, towels should be washed weekly..
Want Your White Towels to Shine? Outsource Your Laundry
Let’s face it — not everyone has time to soak, sort, dry, and fold laundry like a hotel staff would. That’s where Bubble Bliss Laundromat comes in.
We’re located at 224 W 104th Street, NYC, and help busy New Yorkers — from families to small hotels and Airbnb hosts — take care of their laundry professionally. Whether you need organic wash & fold, tailoring, comforter cleaning, or wholesale business laundry services, we’ve got you covered.
We even offer up to 50% discounts for bulk accounts, making it easier for your business to shine — just like your towels.
Final Note
The secret behind how do hotels keep towels white is a combination of consistent routines and the right tools. From pre-soaking and using hot water to avoiding overloaded machines and using powerful detergents, every step counts.
The focus is always on consistency and care. By applying these hotel laundry secrets at home, you can achieve that same clean, bright, and fluffy feel for your own towels. It’s a simple change to your routine that can make a huge difference.
