Do You Have Stained Salon Towels? Try These Tips

As every salon professional knows, clean and fresh towels are not only a necessity for maintaining a hygienic environment but also play a crucial role in enhancing the overall client experience. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through how to wash salon towels, sharing expert tips and tricks to ensure that your towels not only meet but exceed the highest standards of cleanliness.

Why Do Salon Towels Require Special Care?

Unlike regular household towels, salon towels are exposed to a high volume of chemicals, hair dyes, and beauty products on a daily basis. These substances can cause towels to become stained and damaged over time. 

Additionally, salon towels are frequently laundered to maintain hygiene standards, leading to increased wear and tear. To ensure longevity and optimal performance, it's crucial to follow specific care instructions, such as using gentle detergents, avoiding fabric softeners, and washing towels separately from other fabrics.

How to Wash Salon Towels

Washing salon towels requires special attention to maintain their cleanliness, softness, and longevity. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wash salon towels effectively. 

Keep Like Towels Together

Keeping salon towels separate from regular laundry is crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing cross-contamination. Salon towels are exposed to a unique set of substances, including hair dyes, styling products, and various chemicals commonly used in the beauty industry. The residue from these products can linger on the towels, and when mixed with regular laundry, it poses the risk of transferring these substances to everyday clothing and linens. 

This cross-contamination not only compromises the cleanliness of regular laundry items but can also lead to unexpected reactions, such as discoloration or irritation, when these substances come into contact with skin or fabrics not designed to withstand them.

Wash in Small Loads

Avoiding overloading the washing machine is a fundamental aspect of maintaining the effectiveness and cleanliness of salon towels. When the washing machine is overloaded, towels don't have enough space to move freely, reducing the efficiency of the washing process. 

Proper agitation is crucial for loosening and removing residues, stains, and contaminants from the towels. If towels are crammed together, water and detergent may not penetrate every fiber, leading to inadequate cleaning and the potential retention of undesirable substances.

Use Hot Water

Setting the washing machine to a warm water temperature is a strategic choice when laundering salon towels, primarily due to its effectiveness in breaking down oils, residues, and stubborn substances commonly found in beauty and haircare products. 

Warm water is more efficient than cold water at dissolving and emulsifying oils, ensuring a more thorough cleansing process. In the salon environment, towels are frequently exposed to various hair products, styling agents, and chemicals, resulting in a buildup of these substances on the fabric.

Add a Splash of Vinegar

Introducing a splash of vinegar to the washing process for salon towels can be a game-changer in enhancing their cleanliness and longevity. Vinegar, known for its natural cleaning properties, acts as a fabric softener and helps break down residues from hair products, oils, and chemicals that often accumulate on salon towels. 

This simple addition not only aids in maintaining the towels' absorbency but also acts as a natural deodorizer, eliminating any lingering odors.

4 Stain Removing Tips

Salon towels often encounter tough stains from hair dyes, styling products, and other beauty substances. Here are some effective stain-removing tips to help maintain the cleanliness and appearance of salon towels. 

Use Bleach

While bleach can be a potent stain remover, its use on salon towels should be approached with caution. Bleach, known for its strong disinfecting properties, can effectively tackle tough stains on salon towels, especially those caused by hair dyes and other beauty products. 

However, it's crucial to exercise moderation and follow the care instructions provided by the towel manufacturer. Overuse of bleach can compromise the integrity of the fabric, leading to premature wear and tear. 

Before applying bleach, conduct a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area of the towel to ensure compatibility.

Try Shampoo or Dish Detergent

In a pinch, using shampoo or dish detergent can be a practical and gentle solution for treating stains on salon towels. These mild detergents, formulated to break down oils and residues, can effectively lift common stains caused by hair dyes, styling products, or other salon substances. 

Apply a small amount of the detergent directly to the stained area, gently rubbing the fabric or using a soft brush to work it in. Allow the detergent to sit for a few minutes before laundering as usual. However, it's important to note that this method is best suited for fresh or minor stains, and for more stubborn or set-in stains, specialized stain removers may be more effective.

Add Vinegar

Vinegar serves as a versatile and natural remedy for treating stains on salon towels. Its acidic nature makes it effective in breaking down residues from hair products, oils, and chemicals that often adhere to salon linens. 

To use vinegar for stain removal, mix equal parts vinegar and water and apply the solution directly to the stained area. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, giving the vinegar time to break down the stain, before laundering the towels as usual.

Hairspray

Hairspray, with its alcohol and solvent content, can be a surprising yet effective solution for treating certain stains on salon towels. Its ability to break down substances like ink, makeup, or hair dye makes it a handy spot treatment. To use hairspray for stain removal, spray a small amount directly onto the stained area and gently blot or rub the fabric. The alcohol in hairspray helps dissolve the stain, making it easier to lift during the laundering process. 

However, it's crucial to exercise caution, particularly with colored towels, as hairspray may contain dyes that could potentially worsen the stain or affect the towel's color.

Got Tough Stains?

Coastal Wipers offers a range of high-quality salon towels that meet the demanding standards of the beauty and grooming industry. Our selection often includes towels designed to withstand the rigors of salon use, providing durability, absorbency, and resistance to common salon substances. Our white hand towels in particular are very effective for salon use. Contact us today to learn more about our products!