What is the best way to wash towels?”
Depends on if you’re washing white towels or colored towels. I buy only white towels because I like the germ destroying bleach factor. If you have white towels, wash them in HOT water, and not with other clothes. Add some bleach (the best is Clorox Ultra Care) and a good detergent (I love Gain liquid), and you’re towels will be smell-a-riffic. BTW, while experts say that one should not add fabric softener to towels, I throw in one sheet when I put them in the dryer and it works just fine. If you have colored towels, wash them in warm water with a good detergent, same colors only (no clothes), dry with one dryer sheet (too many will affect the “pile” of the towel). If you have especially stinky towels, and they have color, add about a 1/2 Cup of Vinegar to the water fill cycle. Dry them outside on a clothesline if possible. If that’s not possible, dry them on HOT with mentioned dryer sheet. Good luck!
