How to Clean and Care for Tea Towels

Quick answer

Wash Caraway tea towels in warm water with mild detergent, avoid fabric softener, tumble dry on low or air dry, and treat stains promptly with a paste of baking soda and water.

Step-by-step tea towel care routine

1. Pre-treat stains immediately: Rinse the stain under cold water, then apply a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for 15 minutes before washing. Avoid hot water on protein-based stains like egg or milk. Act fast—dried stains are much harder to remove from cotton fibers.
2. Machine wash on warm with mild detergent: Use a gentle, bleach-free detergent. Wash tea towels separately or with similar colors. Do not use fabric softener—it coats the fibers and reduces absorbency. Fabric softener is the #1 enemy of towel absorbency.
3. Tumble dry on low or line dry: High heat can shrink organic cotton and weaken the weave. Tumble dry on low and remove while slightly damp to reduce wrinkles. Line drying is gentlest and saves energy. Over-drying makes towels stiff and shortens their life.
4. Iron if needed for a crisp finish: If you prefer a smooth look, iron while the towel is still slightly damp on a medium setting. This is optional and not needed for everyday use. Skip ironing if you like the relaxed, rustic look of organic cotton.

Product spotlight

• Tea Towels: Soft, absorbent tea towels made from organic cotton dish towels for everyday use—durable, quick-drying, and stylish essentials for any kitchen at home. Their organic cotton construction means they stay soft and absorbent with proper care, but they require gentle washing to avoid pilling or shrinkage.