TowelHub Blog

Few things are more frustrating than using a towel, only to find yourself covered in tiny lint fibers. Shedding is a common issue, especially with new towels, and can make towels feel less absorbent and lower in quality. Whether you’re dealing with wholesale bath towels, wholesale pool towels, or wholesale hand towels, preventing shedding is essential for maintaining softness, durability, and performance.

Understanding why towels shed and how to stop it will not only enhance their longevity but also improve their overall effectiveness. Businesses like hotels, spas, and salons that regularly use wholesale salon towels and wholesale bath robes need high-quality, lint-free towels to maintain professional standards. Fortunately, with the right techniques, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate towel shedding.

Why Do Towels Shed?

Loose Fibers from Manufacturing

New towels often shed because of the manufacturing process. High-quality towels, especially those made of cotton or bamboo, contain natural fibers that loosen during production. When the towel is first washed or used, these extra fibers begin to shed. This is common in plush, high-pile towels, which have longer fibers that can easily detach.

Towel shedding is not necessarily a sign of poor quality—even premium towels experience some linting at first. However, proper care can help reduce the problem and make the towels last longer without excessive fiber loss.

Fabric Type and Weave

Towels made from low-quality cotton or synthetic blends tend to shed more than those made from high-quality, ring-spun, or combed cotton. The way a towel is woven also plays a role. Looped terry towels are more prone to shedding because the fibers are exposed, whereas tightly woven towels, like velour or waffle-weave towels, shed less.

If you’re buying wholesale bath towels or wholesale hand towels for business use, selecting high-quality, tightly woven towels will help minimize shedding. Investing in well-made towels ensures durability, even with frequent washing and use.

How to Stop Towels from Shedding

Wash Towels Before First Use

Brand-new towels contain loose fibers from the manufacturing process. Washing them before first use helps remove excess lint and sets the fibers in place. Use the following method to prepare new towels:

Steps:

• Wash towels separately in warm water on a gentle cycle. This prevents lint from transferring to other fabrics.

• Use a mild detergent without fabric softeners, as softeners can weaken fibers.

• Add white vinegar (½ to 1 cup) to the rinse cycle. This helps seal fibers and reduce shedding.

• Dry towels on a low or medium heat setting or air-dry them to prevent fiber damage.

Washing new towels properly ensures they are softer, more absorbent, and less prone to shedding over time.

Avoid Fabric Softeners and Dryer Sheets

Fabric softeners coat towel fibers, making them feel softer but reducing their absorbency and causing lint to build up. Over time, this coating weakens fibers, leading to more shedding. Dryer sheets have a similar effect and can leave behind a residue that traps lint in towels.

Alternative Solution:

• Instead of fabric softeners, use white vinegar in the rinse cycle to maintain towel softness without damaging fibers.

• For fluffier towels, dry them with wool dryer balls, which help separate fibers naturally without leaving residue.

Use a Lint Trap and Clean It Regularly

Lint buildup in the washer and dryer can make towels shed even more. If your dryer’s lint filter is clogged, loose fibers will recirculate and stick to your towels.

Maintenance Tips:

• Clean the lint trap after every drying cycle to prevent excess fibers from redepositing on towels.

• Shake towels out before drying to remove loose lint.

• Use the lowest heat setting when drying towels to prevent fiber breakage.

Regularly maintaining your washer and dryer helps keep towels lint-free and in excellent condition.

Use the Right Washing and Drying Techniques

Overwashing or drying towels at high temperatures can break down fibers and cause more shedding. To extend towel lifespan and reduce linting, follow these best practices:

Washing Tips:

• Wash in cold or warm water instead of hot water to protect fibers.

• Use a gentle or delicate cycle to minimize fiber stress.

• Avoid overloading the washer, which can cause excessive friction and lint buildup.

Drying Tips:

• Tumble dry on low heat or air-dry whenever possible.

• Remove towels while slightly damp to prevent overdrying, which weakens fibers.

• Shake towels after drying to fluff fibers and remove excess lint.

Proper washing and drying techniques will preserve towel quality and significantly reduce shedding over time.

Choose High-Quality Towels

Not all towels are created equal. Higher-quality towels shed less because they have tighter weaves, stronger fibers, and better finishing techniques. If you frequently purchase wholesale bath towels, wholesale salon towels, or wholesale bath robes, investing in durable, well-made options will minimize shedding issues.

Look for towels made from:

• Combed cotton, which removes weak fibers before weaving.

• Ring-spun cotton, which has stronger, smoother, and more durable fibers.

• Zero-twist or low-twist fibers, which prevent excessive linting while maintaining softness.

Choosing premium wholesale towels ensures longer-lasting performance, saving money in the long run while offering a better experience for customers or guests.

Additional Tips to Maintain Shedding-Free Towels

Separate Towels from Other Laundry

Washing towels with clothing or delicate fabrics can increase lint transfer. Towels should always be washed separately to reduce fiber friction and shedding. If mixed with clothes, lint from towels can stick to fabric, making them look worn out.

Use Baking Soda for Extra Softness

Adding ½ cup of baking soda to the wash cycle helps break down detergent buildup and soften fibers without causing damage. Baking soda also removes odors, brightens fabric, and helps prevent linting, making it a great natural solution.

Trim Loose Threads Instead of Pulling Them

If you notice snags or loose threads, avoid pulling them, as this can cause more shedding. Instead, trim them with scissors to prevent further unraveling. This is especially useful for wholesale hand towels and salon towels, which experience frequent use and washing.

Conclusion

Shedding is a common issue with new towels, but with proper care and maintenance, you can keep your towels lint-free, soft, and absorbent. Washing towels before first use, avoiding fabric softeners, using the right drying techniques, and investing in high-quality towels are key steps to reducing shedding.

For businesses that purchase wholesale bath towels, wholesale pool towels, and wholesale bath robes, selecting durable, well-made towels ensures better performance, customer satisfaction, and long-term cost savings. By following these expert tips, you can maintain beautiful, long-lasting towels without the hassle of constant shedding.