What kind of towel material absorbs water well. Kitchen Towel Fabric: Overview of Materials

Terry towels are one of the most popular products among all types of home textiles. They are also used as towels for the kitchen, and for bathing, and for baths, saunas, and just for drying hands.

But in order to buy a quality product, you should know certain rules and follow them.

1. Manufacturer. From the abundance of manufacturing companies, you can get confused. But it is advisable to give preference to well-known companies and global brands. Such producing countries as Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey are very popular. High-quality cotton is produced there for the subsequent manufacture of terry.

But the prices are, of course, high, even inflated. Therefore, in order to save on price and not save on quality, it is best to buy domestic products. For example, the Valetex company would be a good option, from which terry towels can be selected at the link: http://www.valetex.ru/mahrovyue_polotenca.

2. Absorption. To determine the correct degree of absorption, you need to carefully study the composition, which is indicated on the product label. Also, the type of yarn is responsible for absorbency. There are 4 types in total - single, double, twisted and combed yarn. It is believed that combed yarn has the best moisture absorption. Also, the absorbency of a terry towel depends on the “correct” pile length.

3. Pile. Terry towels do not like extremes - you should not choose too long (over 8 mm) or too short pile (3.5 mm and below). This approach is explained quite simply. Long pile, although it absorbs moisture very well and creates a pleasant impression of density, as a rule, quickly loses its presentation after washing. But a short pile provides poor moisture absorption. This towel gets wet quickly. The optimal length is considered to be about 5 mm.

4. Density. On average, a terry towel can last up to three years. However, this is far from its limit. To extend the service life, you need to choose the right density. Products with a low density (300 g/sq.m and less) quickly become unusable. Therefore, you need to buy those with a higher indicator. Plus, the saddest thing is that the density is not indicated on the label. But there is a way out - the product should be weighed. If, for example, a towel measuring 70x140 cm weighs about 500 g, then this is a good choice, because its density is 500 g / sq.m.

5. Softness. This indicator does not always indicate the good quality of the mahr. Since many manufacturers add viscose (synthetics) to cotton, which gives a feeling of softness, but worsens the level of moisture absorption. Therefore, to buy a high-quality terry towel, you should, firstly, choose 100% cotton, and secondly, buy from a trusted and trusted manufacturing company. You can also check the presence of synthetics at home by pouring about 5 ml of water on a horizontal glass surface and running a towel over it. If stains remain on the surface, then a certain amount of synthetics is present.

Happy and profitable shopping!

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We all love absorbent towels because they have the ability to soak up liquid, leaving it inside the fibers.

When it comes to new towels in particular, they provide good absorbency, making us dry faster after bathing, keeping us in a more comfortable atmosphere and allowing us to quickly get dressed and leave the house. There are many different types of absorbent towels. Some of them combine style and functionality, others are purely functional. Let's take a look at some of these options.

Terry cloth, angel-tex, bamboo and microfiber - each material absorbs moisture differently

It is one of the best absorbents popular for making absorbent towels on the market today. However, contrary to popular belief, the far from 100% cotton composition makes such towels absorbent, it's all about weaving the material. The terry cloth is woven from a large number of loops, which makes the product soft and absorbent.

When it comes to pure functionality, thenangel-texis the clear winner. It is a synthetic, man-made material that is highly absorbent, absorbing liquids in large or small quantities faster than conventional towels. Created using advanced, patented technology, angel-tex is made from fibers that are finer than conventional microfibers. The result is a light, soft and pleasant material that literally “removes” excess moisture from any surface.

is a natural textile made from the pulp of bamboo grass. It is strongly crushed to separate into thin filamentous fibers. The most remarkable thing about bamboo is that it retains many of its properties, such as strength and moisture absorption, even under extreme production conditions. A few additional advantages of bamboo: the plant grows quickly and does not require pesticides to grow, which makes it a very environmentally friendly material.

In general (like angel-tex, which is a type of microfiber), it is a synthetic material designed specifically to absorb moisture. Microfibers are small synthetic fibers that are less than one denier in size. The size, shape and combination of these fibers are selected to create specific characteristics such as softness, strength, absorbency, etc. Microfiber towels are made from a special blend of these fibers.

How to choose an absorbent towel?

When buying absorbent towels, you should not always choose the most expensive products, thinking that they will work better. Cotton and cotton blends are highly absorbent, as are bamboo, microfiber and terry towels. The absorbency of a towel is directly proportional to the length of the fiber.

Sometimes, during the process of making a towel, a special wax is applied to the material, which makes it easier to weave or knit fibers. Also, sometimes there may be dye residues on the coating, which during the production process may remain on the fabric. When a towel is purchased and used for the first time, it may repel water instead of absorbing it. This is because the manufacturing coating is left on the fabric. To rid the fabric of such a layer, wash the towel in hot water before use. Some new towels may need to be washed twice before use. Make sure to wash the towel separately, especially during the first two washes, to prevent the color from fading.

To make the towel more absorbent, do not use fabric softeners in the wash. Such products with a thin layer of chemicals can make the fabric water-repellent.

How to make new towels more absorbent?

Have you ever noticed that new towels seem to repel water rather than absorb it? It usually takes many cycles in the washing machine for the towel to become more absorbent, but with our tips, you can speed up the process.

Steps

1

Wash each towel in hot water before use. Some people run the wash cycle with their towels twice (without drying). Hot running water is able to remove excess dyes and any deposits (for example, fabric softener) that have remained on the surface as a result of the manufacturing process. Do not wash anything else with new towels, because colored towels can stain and towels tend to leave "fluff" on other textiles.

2

Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Dilute the vinegar immediately or wait until the water level in the drum is high enough to add the substance yourself; otherwise, the vinegar may discolor your towels. The second wash cycle may include adding 1/2 cup of baking soda, but do not use baking soda and vinegar together in the same cycle. If your washing machine has a liquid fabric softener dispenser, put vinegar in it.

Please note that these are time-tested folk remedies. When vinegar (an acid) and baking soda (an alkali or base) dissociate (chemically break down), the atoms recombine freely with minerals, salts, and other chemicals that have accumulated but are now easily washed away.

3

Avoid using fabric softeners of any kind. Fabric softeners coat the surface of the fabric with a thin layer of chemicals (oils), which makes the fibers hydrophobic. If you can't imagine washing towels without rinse aid, use amidoamine softeners. Don't despair if you've already used fabric softener. You can increase the absorbency of the material by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to the laundry detergent and then to the washing machine. Then add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse dispenser.

• Baking soda will make your towels cleaner and whiter; Vinegar will help get rid of odors and stains.
• Experts recommend keeping two sets of towels for each person in the family, plus an extra set for guests. If you rotate sets purchased at different times, you will have a chance to have at least one worthy set.
• Place two rubber balls in the drum (old tennis balls are fine, just make sure they are clean) of the machine with towels while drying. This will help fluff up the fibers, which will positively affect the absorbent qualities of the product.
• Towels should be washed regularly. Once a week is the norm for the average person, and once every few days is the best choice for people who have a high exposure to pollution (for example, construction workers, gardeners, cleaners, etc.).
• White vinegar is an excellent fabric softener. It also works to reduce static electricity on most fabrics and helps make towels softer.

Cautions

• A towel that produces a lot of fluff after washing should be washed again.
• Never store wet towels - they are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Towels are best kept outside the bathroom as the steam can make them smell bad.
• Don't use vinegar and baking soda at the same time to rinse towels: the chemical reaction will create too much foam, which is not suitable for your washing machine.

Terry textiles have firmly entered the everyday life of modern man. How nice to wrap yourself in a soft, fragrant towel after a shower! Unfortunately, a new product is not always durable and wear-resistant; after the first wash, the paint fades and the fabric coarsens. In order not to get lost in the variety of this type of textile, in a huge assortment on the market, and not to be disappointed in the purchase, you must be able to correctly select a terry towel. And the main selection criterion should be the density and naturalness of the material, the length and density of the pile, the ability to absorb moisture.

materials

Basically, terry towels are made from bamboo and.

Cotton

Cotton towels

Products from cotton fibers are distinguished by softness, tenderness and high ability to absorb moisture. Textiles made from organic cotton are especially appreciated. When growing this raw material, no chemicals are used, so the products are environmentally friendly. The main suppliers of cotton textiles are Brazil, Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.

Sometimes manufacturers add synthetic fibers to cotton. Information about additives is indicated on the label:

• 100% cotton (M) - artificial fibers;
• 100% cotton (P) - .

Cotton towel brands: Arya, Hobby, Karven, TAC.

Bamboo

bamboo towels

More recently, bamboo terry towels have appeared on sale. They have a delicate texture with a slight sheen and look very elegant. In addition, such textiles have the antibacterial properties of bamboo.

Famous manufacturers: Mariposa, Maxstyle.

Linen

Linen towels are highly durable and long lasting. Due to the dense structure of the fabric, in contact with the skin, a slight massage effect is felt.

Main selection criteria

When buying a terry towel or other textile from this fabric, you should pay attention to the following factors.

1. The fabric must be natural and environmentally friendly. Often, in order to reduce costs and increase the softness of the fabric, manufacturers resort to processing cotton fibers with chemical reagents. A product made of such a material can cause allergies, and after washing it will lose not only its appearance, but also its ability to absorb water with high quality. That is why when buying, you should carefully study the label and do not trust little-known companies.
2. The length of the pile should be about 5 mm. Short loops lead to the fact that the product quickly gets wet, coarsens, torn and becomes unpleasant to the touch. If the length of the loops is more than 8 mm, then when buying a fluffy towel after washing, it loses its original appearance.
3. Of no small importance is the density of the material from which textiles are made. This value is measured in grams and indicates how many grams of cotton are contained in 1 m² of fabric. The higher the density of matter, the longer the product will last, and the optimal value is 450-550 g/m 2 . Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not indicate the density of the product on the label, and the seller is not always aware of this indicator of product quality. It will be possible to determine the number of grams only at home by weighing the purchased towel. For example, if a 70x140 towel weighs 490 g, then its density is 500 g / m 2.
4. When buying, you should carefully check whether the work on tailoring the product is carefully done. Properly processed edges, even stitches from strong threads guarantee product quality.
5. Usually, when looking at textiles on the counter, a picky buyer first touches the fabric. If the material is so soft and fluffy that you don’t want to take your hand away, then you should buy a towel. Pleasant tactile sensations are an indicator of the quality of the product.
6. The surface of the material should be densely and evenly covered with loops. Bald spots in the terry cover not only spoil the appearance of the product, but also negatively affect its properties.

As can be seen from the above, it will not be possible to check the true characteristics of the product at the store counter. In this situation, there are two ways out: trust only well-known manufacturers or make a trial purchase and check the quality of the product at home.

Terry towel color

Towels are part of the bathroom design

Usually, a terry towel is not only a textile for wiping the body or dishes, but also an integral part of the bathroom design. With the help of this textile, this or that mood is created, so choosing the right color is a very important task. It is colored towels that will place accents in a neutral interior and give the room a certain character.

A gentle feminine interior is easy to create with the help of pastel-colored towels and rugs. Very handy will be light pink, apricot, milky, blue and turquoise. If the bathroom is decorated in dark colors, textiles in warm colors will make it less gloomy.

For men, textiles in dark shades are more appropriate, for example, dark brown, gray-blue or burgundy. No less relevant are colorful products with bright patterns.

White towels go with just about any design, while green and yellow towels look great in a family bathroom shared by adults and kids alike.

Terry cloth care

Any terry towel, regardless of its purpose, will remain soft and pleasant to the touch for a long time, if you follow the simple rules of care.

• You can wash terry towels in the machine and by hand at temperatures from 30°C to 60°C using ordinary detergents.
• Do not use conditioner when washing, as the silicone film formed on the surface of the material reduces its hygroscopicity.
• Terry products can not be ironed, it is enough to smooth out the folds on a damp cloth with your hand.
• If elongated loops appear on the surface of the towel, they can be cut off with scissors.

The right choice of towels in terms of size, density and composition will ensure a long and pleasant use of a terry product.

It would seem, what could be easier than choosing a bath towel? Soft and gentle, suitable in size and pleasant color - these are all selection criteria. But not everything is so simple, towels are different and you need to know their main types so as not to make a mistake in your choice.

The easiest way is to determine the size of the bath towel - it should be large, so that they can turn around. Sizes are different for different manufacturers, but the exact length and width does not really matter. For children, they take a smaller size so that a wrapped child does not accidentally get tangled in it.

Criteria for choosing a bath towel

The main things you need to pay attention to when buying:

• The absorbency of the fabric;
• Strength and durability of the towel;
• How fast does it dry?
• Softness and lack of irritating properties.

What is the best fabric for a bath towel?

The main offers on the market are terry towels made of cotton, bamboo and microfiber. What are the main differences and what to choose?

Cotton towels have proven themselves to be the best for a long time. Terry bath towels made of cotton perfectly absorb moisture, soft, do not electrify, do not cause skin irritation. Their quality is different, they can be single-sided and double-sided, can withstand up to 500 washes. Terry fabrics from cotton differ in the type of density, in the height of the loop. The optimal length of the loop is five millimeters, it is it that is best suited for towels. The denser the fibers on the base, the higher the ability of the terry cloth to absorb water. Too dense fabric dries for a long time, which is considered a drawback for a towel. After washing, cotton towels often become quite stiff.

Bamboo bath towels not so long ago they became widespread in our country, but are in ever-increasing demand. As a rule, they are softer, softer than cotton ones. Bamboo fabric has natural antimicrobial properties, products based on bamboo fiber are suitable for people with allergies. Reviews about bamboo towels are good, the fabric absorbs moisture very quickly and quickly evaporates when dried. The fiber is very durable, stronger than cotton, towels are soft after washing. Often the fabric contains cotton additives, but it is much worse if the towels are of poor quality, contain synthetic additives, and this happens quite often from unverified manufacturers.

Microfiber bath towels are also popular and have their own advantages. Microfiber is a synthetic microfibre fabric. It is soft, pleasant to the touch, dries very quickly, does not retain odors. Microfiber towels are highly hygroscopic and can absorb liquids by volume several times their own weight. This property was appreciated by many lovers of going to the sauna or swimming pool. Such a towel is light, small, it is convenient to carry it in a bag, and it absorbs water quickly and in large quantities. Microfiber towels are less durable and cannot be boiled or ironed, but can be washed in a regular washing machine.

Special types of bath towels

A very useful thing for a sauna is a Velcro towel with an elastic band. It is convenient for them to wrap around and secure it with Velcro. This towel is comfortable and practical, allows you to move freely. It is universal for women of all shapes and sizes, as it has a wide elastic band around the edge.

A sundress towel with straps was also invented specifically for bath procedures. Lightness and convenience, in addition - it's beautiful.

How to choose a towel in the store?

The desire to protect yourself from forgery is quite natural. To do this, it is usually quite enough to choose products of a trusted company in specialized stores. But it doesn't always work out.

A towel is an indispensable item in every home. The question of how to choose a towel sooner or later arises in front of every person. Well, it would seem, nothing complicated: “I came, I saw, I conquered”, that is, I chose. But in reality the situation is much more complicated.

Previously, in times of general scarcity, people took what they had, but now you go to the store and find that there is nothing there: short and long pile, different sizes, different purposes, and even fabrics are completely different. You may be confused by this choice. What should be considered when choosing a towel so that it becomes a soft and faithful friend for you for many years, and not a source of eternal discontent and disappointment?

Well, of course, first of all, you need to touch it - it should be soft to the touch so that you feel comfortable touching it. Let's find out what else to look for when choosing a towel...

• The ability to absorb moisture is the main characteristic, it depends on the type of yarn, the method of weaving the threads. To test the product for hygroscopicity, you need to pour a little water on it: if it is quickly absorbed, then the material from which the towel is made is natural. If the material is synthetic, the water will drip down. Wiping with this towel will be uncomfortable.

Important!Of course, not every seller will give you the opportunity to wet their products. That is why, in order to understand the properties of the material, pay attention to the label. It has the designations used for fabrics.

• Towel Density - Density is determined by the number of fibers used to make one square centimeter of material, measured in grams per square meter. The density index also depends on the type of yarn that is used to make the material.

How to choose the density of towels?As a rule, this indicator is indicated on the label. The higher this value, the better the product absorbs water. On average, the value of the indicator ranges from 350-750 g / m2.

Important!Lightweight fabrics absorb moisture but dry faster. Too high density will cause the towel to dry for a very long time.

• Pile length - the average length of the pile is 3.5-8.5 mm. A short pile does not absorb moisture well, and too long pile wears out quickly and becomes unusable. The most optimal value is 5 mm.
• The degree of rigidity - if the towel is too soft, it means that the composition includes synthetic fibers that reduce the hygroscopicity of the product. These towels are suitable for people with sensitive skin, children and the elderly.

Important!Some products are decorated with embroidery or appliqué. Jewelry should be securely fastened and not cause discomfort when wiped. The embroidery threads should be soft and well drawn into the fabric.

Materials for making towels

For the production of towels, natural and synthetic materials are used. Consider some of them to understand which towel is better to choose.

Cotton

Cotton perfectly absorbs moisture, is a hypoallergenic material, has a soft texture. It is great for kids and their parents. Cotton fabrics have a high weave density, so they will serve you in good faith for a long time. It is an environmentally friendly material that is safe for everyday use, and besides, it is affordable.

Important!Among the shortcomings, one can single out that it dries slowly, can sit down after the first wash and is prone to creasing.

Linen

This is a natural material that is highly hypoallergenic, absorbs moisture well, but products made from it are a little rough. These towels have a massage effect.

Velours

Such products are more often used for decoration than for direct intended use. They are beautiful, but very poorly absorb moisture. They can also be used to warm the body.

waffle towels

One of the varieties of cotton towels that have no lint. They are suitable for the kitchen and very rarely used for the bath.

Mahra

For the production of terry towels, materials such as cotton, linen, bamboo are used, sometimes with impurities of synthetic fibers. The result is a soft, fluffy fabric, the surface of which is decorated with long soft loops. This material is hygroscopic, hypoallergenic and durable, withstands a large number of washes, retaining its original appearance.

Important!The disadvantages of the material include the following points - the terry dries for a long time and is unstable to mechanical stress.

Bamboo

This is a new modern material, which is produced using a unique technology and has high bactericidal properties. Bamboo fabric has an average density, so such products weigh a lot, but they absorb moisture well. In addition, the fabric does not absorb odors, is durable and is not affected by mold and mildew.

Important!Of the minuses, one can note the high cost and complexity of care.

Modal

Beech, pine or eucalyptus wood is used as raw material for this unique material. Products made from this material are practical, lightweight, durable and wear-resistant. Plus, they have a special softness due to the special weaving of the threads. But this material can cause allergies.

Tencel

Natural material made from eucalyptus cellulose fiber. Products made from this material are suitable for people with different skin types and are not recommended for small children and allergy sufferers. The material is hygroscopic, has high weaving strength, does not cause allergies, does not become electrified, does not lose its appearance over a long period.

Polyamide

For the production of this material, synthetic fibers obtained from the processing of petroleum products are used. But despite the fact that the material is completely synthetic, it is in demand for the manufacture of towels and other textile products. It is durable, dries quickly, does not fade, is resistant to deformation and damage. But at the same time, it does not absorb moisture well and is highly electrified.

polyester

This popular material is also synthetic and made from refinery waste. Polyester has a number of positive characteristics: it is light, practical, resistant to deformation and cheap.

Important!Of the minuses, one can indicate low hygroscopicity.

microfiber

Microfiber towels are practical and durable, dry quickly and do not require ironing, and they do not cause allergic reactions. But they quickly lose their attractive appearance.

Types of towels

Depending on the purpose, towels are divided into the following categories.

A bath towel

These are the largest towels, it is nice to wrap yourself in them after a shower or bath. How to choose a bath towel? Most importantly, it should perfectly absorb moisture, be soft and gentle to the touch. Most often, these products are terry.

Kitchen towel

They wipe their hands, dishes, all kinds of spilled liquids, so for the kitchen they choose lint-free towels - waffle or linen.

For washing

Washing towels are in contact with delicate and sensitive skin, so they should be chosen very carefully. Bamboo products are best suited for this.

For hands and feet

Towels for hands and feet are small in size, the main requirements here are good absorbency and a pleasant appearance.

Baby towels

For the smallest members of the family, you need to choose special towels. Usually on sale there are special soft products that have double-sided weaving of threads and a bright pattern. These towels are often equipped with a hood.

Beach towel

Such products must successfully cope with two functions: they must be perfect for sunbathing on the beach and for drying off after swimming. Good absorbency, lightness and large size are especially appreciated.

wedding towel

Such towels are made of linen, usually they are decorated with hand embroidery in the form of doves, swans or larks.

massage towel

Massage towels are more rigid, they are designed specifically to soothe and relax the body. This is achieved through a strictly calculated combination of cotton and linen.

To choose a good quality towel, pay attention to the following parameters:

• It is very important to pay attention to the edges of the product. The seams should be clear and uniform, and all threads should be cut off. Basically, the edges are processed with an overlock or a seam. The second option is preferable.
• Uniform and durable coloring. Poor quality paint can be found even in the store. You just need to attach a damp white cloth to the product. If the fabric is dyed, then such a product will not withstand even several washes, but will dye everything in its path.
• If you choose a bath towel, then apply it to the skin, it should be soft to the touch.

Important! Ideally, every housewife should have several types of towels for different occasions in the house. This is especially true for products intended for the kitchen:

• Expensive high-quality linen towels will serve as an excellent decoration for the festive table.
• Synthetic towels are good for cleaning in the kitchen or bathroom, they are easy to clean from dust or dirt, and they will not stain windows or mirrors.
• Waffle towels are ideal for hands and utensils, they are not as expensive as linen towels and are much more durable than synthetic counterparts.

Now you are ready to go shopping for textiles for your home. Think in advance how much and what items you will need. Thus, you will save a lot of time and nerves.