Caring for Your Gym Towel: Understanding Wash Care Symbols
Got yourself a new FLXNFLW Sweat Towel, or maybe you're about to purchase your first one? Nice one!! Your microfibre gym towel is designed to handle intense workouts and frequent washing, but proper care is essential to maintain its performance and longevity. Understanding the care symbols on your sweat towel's label ensures you're treating this specialised athletic gear correctly. Let's decode these symbols - found on the hanging loop of the towel - to keep your gym towel in peak condition!
Machine Wash at 30°C (86°F)
The wash basin with "30" indicates your microfibre sweat towel should be washed at a maximum temperature of 30°C. This temperature is crucial for microfibre towels because higher temperatures can damage the synthetic fibres, reducing their absorption capacity and soft texture. Hot water can also cause microfibre to lose its quick-dry properties – one of the key features that makes it perfect for gym use.
Wash your sweat towel after every workout to prevent bacteria buildup and odours. Use cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent, and avoid overloading the machine to ensure thorough cleaning of sweat and potential chalk residue.
Do Not Bleach
The crossed-out triangle prohibits bleaching agents on your microfibre towel. Bleach can severely damage synthetic microfibres, causing them to break down and lose their effectiveness. This is particularly important for gym towels that need to maintain their moisture-wicking properties. Bleach can also destroy the print and colours of your towel.
For stubborn odours or stains common with athletic gear, pre-treat with baking soda or white vinegar instead of bleach. These natural alternatives help eliminate gym-related smells without compromising the towel's performance characteristics.
Tumble Dry on Low Heat
The square with a dotted circle means low-heat tumble drying only. Microfibre is heat-sensitive, and high temperatures can melt or distort the fibres, reducing the towel's absorption and soft feel. Low heat preserves the towel's quick-dry properties while preventing shrinkage.
Remove your gym towel while slightly damp to minimise static and maintain its fluffy texture. The quick-dry nature of microfibre means it won't take long to finish air-drying naturally.
Our recommendation? In the summer, hang it to air dry outside, it won't take long in the shade, and it'll be even quicker in the sunshine (just make sure you don't leave it out for too long). In the cold winters, tumble dry on low heat or air dry it (with plenty of ventilation) near the heater or in an open warm room. The sweat towel will dry in no time.
Iron on Low Temperature
The iron symbol with one dot indicates low-temperature ironing if needed. However, most microfibre gym towels rarely require ironing due to their wrinkle-resistant properties. If you do iron, use the synthetic setting and avoid direct contact with the iron – use a pressing cloth to protect the microfibres.
For our sweat towels, proper folding straight from the dryer usually eliminates any wrinkles without needing to iron at all.
Do Not Dry Clean
The crossed-out circle prohibits dry cleaning, which is standard for microfibre athletic gear. Dry cleaning chemicals can damage the recycled fibres and remove the treatments that give microfibre towels their moisture-wicking properties.
Home washing is not only acceptable but preferred for gym towels, as it allows you to control the temperature and detergents used while maintaining the towel's performance features.
Maximising Your Sweat Towel's Performance
Following these care instructions preserves your FLXNFLW Sweat Towel's key attributes: superior absorption, quick-drying capability, and soft texture. Avoid fabric softeners, which can coat microfibres and reduce their effectiveness. Instead, add white vinegar to the rinse cycle occasionally to maintain freshness and absorption.
Wash your gym towel separately from cotton items to prevent lint transfer, and try to avoid washing with items containing zippers or velcro that could snag the delicate microfibres.
Proper care ensures your sweat towel continues performing at its best, keeping you dry and comfortable through countless workouts while maintaining its professional appearance and hygiene standards.
