White bath towels can be filled with time, however, it is possible to recover them with the right methods. Experts revealed to Real Simple how to do it.
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20/08/2026
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Awhite bath towels are essential items in any home, however, can be yellowish and/or greyish over time.
Due to their high absorption capacity, they tend to accumulate body oils, dirt, stains, detergent residues and even limestone minerals.
If this is your case, don't despair. Experts have revealed how to retrieve your towels from Real Simple. Make a note.
Expert tricks to whiten bath towels
It is important to note that sometimes it is best to discard the towel in question. “A towel has passed its best when it is thin, shredded, with holes or does not absorb more water even after it has been washed,” Robin Murphy, an expert in household cleaning, points out.
However, the fact that a towel is incarcerated does not mean that it has to be disposed of immediately.
Here are some methods to recover them.
With oxygen-based whitener
The experts are unanimous: pre-washing oxygen is the best way to bleach old bath towels.
“ The oxygen-based whitener is my favorite and most effective method for bleaching old white bath towels, because it helps remove stains and waste without coating the fibers,” Murphy explains.
To do so, just leave the towels soaking in warm and warm water and dissolve about 1/2 to 1 cup of oxygen-based powder bleacher to protect the colors. Then just wash them normally.
“ Be careful not to fill the washing machine too much or use too much detergent. Do not use softener ", highlights Murphy. “Towels need space to move and rinse well”, complete.
Vinagre and sodium bicarbonate
Cleaning vinegar and baking soda is a good alternative for those looking for a natural solution. The mixture lightens the tissue, removes persistent odors and eliminates the accumulated detergent.
“The vinegar helps dissolve waste and can soften the fibers, while sodium bicarbonate helps deodorize and clean lightly,” explains Lewenhaupt. “It is usually necessary to use each ingredient in a separate washing cycle, as they neutralize when used together”.
For the first wash, use only half a cup of sodium bicocarnate and warm or warm water, Lexi Brown, a cleaning professional, recommends. Then rinse in water to remove the product completely. Wash the machine normally and dry them.

