Tea Towel not absorbing?Updated 2 hours ago

TL;DR: If your Tea Towel isn’t absorbing, is streaking, or is shedding, it usually comes down to residue from fabric softener or detergent, or mixing with linty items. Fix it by washing with white vinegar, avoiding softener, and washing microfibre separately.

Common causes

• Fabric softener or dryer sheets: These coat the fibres and reduce absorbency.
• Detergent residue: Powder detergents or too much detergent can leave a film that repels water.
• Mixed loads: Washing with cotton towels or fleece can transfer lint and cause shedding or reduced performance.
• High heat or ironing: High temperatures can flatten or damage the microfibre surface.
• New towels: A small amount of initial shedding is normal during the first few washes.

Quick fixes

• Deep clean with vinegar: Wash Tea Towels on a warm cycle with one cup of white vinegar and no detergent. Then run a second warm wash with a small amount of liquid detergent.
• Avoid softener and dryer sheets: Never use them with microfibre towels.
• Wash separately: Wash microfibre with other microfibre items only, or use a laundry bag to keep lint away.
• Use liquid detergent: Powder can leave tiny particles behind. Use a small amount of Sensitive Laundry Liquid.
• Line dry: Line dry. Avoid high heat and do not iron.

Dealing with streaks and spots

• If towels leave streaks on glass or stainless steel, rewash them using the vinegar method and finish by drying with a fresh dry diamond towel.
• For greasy or oily residue, pre-rinse with hot water and a spray with Kitchen Grease & Oil Cleaner, then wash as above.

Shedding tips

• Trim any long loose threads rather than pulling them.
• Expect a few fibres to come loose in the first 2–3 washes.