Water temperature
What temperature should you wash towels at?
Wash most towels in warm water. Use hot water only for white cotton towels when the care label allows and the load needs deeper cleaning.
Reviewed June 16, 2026
Temperature
Warm water, or hot for white cotton towels if the label allows
Cycle
Normal or heavy duty
Spin
High spin
Care-label caveats
- Avoid fabric softener if absorbency matters.
- Wash microfiber towels separately and dry them on low heat.
- Keep new, dark, or brightly colored towels away from whites until excess dye stops bleeding.
- Use the warmest water allowed by the care label when cleaning heavily soiled towels.
FAQ
What temperature should you wash towels at?
Wash most towels in warm water. Use hot water only for white cotton towels when the care label allows and the load needs deeper cleaning.
What washer setting should I use for towels?
Use normal or heavy duty for most cotton towels. Choose high spin if the care label allows.
Should towels be washed in hot or warm water?
Warm water is the safer everyday default for most towels. Use hot water for white cotton towels only when the care label allows it and the load needs deeper cleaning.