Washer setting
What washer setting for towels?
Use normal or heavy duty for most cotton towels. Choose high spin if the care label allows.
Reviewed August 10, 2026
Cycle
Normal or heavy duty
Temperature
Warm water, or hot for white cotton towels if the label allows
Spin
High spin
Choose by towel type
Towel washer settings by material and color
Item or materialSettingHow to use it
Cotton bath towelsNormal or heavy duty, warmUse high spin and avoid fabric softener when absorbency matters.
White cotton towelsNormal or heavy duty, warm or hotUse hot only when the care label permits it and deeper cleaning is needed.
Microfiber towelsNormal or gentle, cool or warmWash separately from cotton lint and avoid fabric softener.
Decorative or trim-sensitive towelsGentle, cold or warmLower spin helps protect fringe, embroidery, elastic, and delicate borders.
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 washer setting should I use for towels?
Use normal or heavy duty for most cotton towels. Choose high spin if the care label allows.
What temperature should I wash towels in?
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.