How to Dry Tea Towels?

The best way to dry tea towels is by hanging them on a line or clothes horse, which is gentler on the fabric than using a tumble dryer.

Here's a more detailed guide:

Methods for Drying Tea Towels

Air Drying: Hanging tea towels outside on a clothesline or inside on a clothes horse allows them to air dry naturally. This is the most eco-friendly and gentle method.
Sunlight Benefits: Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and can help to bleach out stains. However, be mindful of fading if your tea towels are brightly colored.
Proper Airflow: Ensure good airflow around the towels for quicker drying and to prevent mildew.

Heat Setting: If you must use a tumble dryer, use a low heat setting to prevent shrinking and damage to the fabric.
Over-Drying: Avoid over-drying tea towels in the dryer, as this can make them stiff and less absorbent.
Environmental Impact: Tumble dryers consume a significant amount of energy compared to air drying.

Cleanliness: Ensure the radiator is clean to avoid transferring dirt onto the tea towel.
Placement: Lay the tea towel flat across the radiator, ensuring even distribution of heat.
Monitoring: Check the tea towel regularly to prevent it from overheating or becoming scorched.

Shake Before Hanging: Give your tea towels a good shake before hanging them to remove excess water and help prevent wrinkles.
Hang Properly: Hang the towels fully extended for maximum airflow.
Avoid Overlapping: Don't overlap towels when hanging them to dry, as this can trap moisture and slow down the drying process.
Ironing (Optional): Ironing tea towels after they are dry can help to remove any remaining wrinkles and give them a crisp, clean look.

Gentle on Fabric: Air drying is much gentler on the fibers of tea towels, helping them to last longer.
Energy Saving: You'll save energy and money by avoiding the use of a tumble dryer.
Environmental Benefits: Air drying reduces your carbon footprint.