How To Choose The Best Salon Towels

Common Mistake #1

Mixing Chemicals And Non-Chemical Proof Towels

Most salons and spas use harsh chemicals for salon services and cleaning. Non-chemical proof towels will quickly begin to appear spotty and frayed if used with these compounds. The cost of replacement linens can add up quickly, especially if towels start to wear after their first use. Avoid this mistake by using towels that can withstand coming into contact with common chemicals.
 

Common Mistake #2

Using Towels Incorrectly

Mixing towels between different salon stations is the best way to send new cloths into early retirement. Each station of your salon or spa should have it's own towel supply that meets the daily demands of that service. Furthermore, you should never use the same towels throughout the entire salon. Keeping towels separate prevents contamination and extends the life of your towels.
 

Common Mistake #3

Choosing Just Any Detergent

Reach out to your towel manufacturer or supplier to find out which detergent is recommended for each type of towel in your salon. The right detergent can help towels last longer and perform better. Oxi-style detergents are a great way to boost cleaning power without harsh additives. Adding fabric softener is a no-no: the additives that make your towels ‘softer’ often build up over time and prevent towels from absorbing water properly.
 

Sort Your Towels By Color

Sorting your towels by white, light, and dark allows you to use various cycle types and temperatures to get the best clean. This practice also decreases the chances that darker towels will bleed onto lighter or white towels.
 

Don’t Over Bleach

Faded, stained towels have no place in a professional salon. While you should always follow the manufacturer’s listed care instructions, there are times you may wish to sanitize your towel supply. Good color-safe linens should be washable in hot water and bleach without fading or losing their vibrancy. If you are concerned about your towels’ bleachability, perform this quick test: Add 2 teaspoons of bleach to ¼ cup water; apply a small drop to a hidden part of the towel, such as under the care label; wait 1 minute then blot dry; no color change means you can safely bleach the towel.
 

Wash Towels With Towels

Sorting your towels by white, light, and dark allows you to use various cycle types and temperatures to get the best clean. This practice also decreases the chances that darker towels will bleed onto lighter or white towels.
 

Leave Out The Fabric Softener

Absorbency is everything to hair stylists, manicurists, and other salon employees. Fabric softener coats the towels, reducing the amount of liquid the towel can absorb.
 

Keep Laundry Loads Light

Packing the washing machine full can prevent proper spinning at the end of cycle. You'll open your washer to find soaking wet towels that take extra time to dry. An overstuffed dryer creates excess agitation, tearing and unraveling towel threads. To prevent extra-large loads, wash towels as they become dirty throughout the workday and be sure to let them dry thoroughly before folding so they stay fresh.
 

Fold towels ASAP

While folding them right away won’t extend the life of your towels, think of this task as extending the life of your salon. This may sound extreme, but remember that the appearance of your salon is key to the prolonged success of your business. Whether it’s by keeping your floors swept, your stations tidy, or your towels neatly folded and put away - keeping your salon looking orderly shows clients that you care. Even on the busiest days or in the worst weather, a clean and inviting salon environment is essential to your customer's positive experience.