Imagine your child stepping out of the bath or shower, feeling warm and cozy in a soft, fluffy towel robe. They wrap themselves in the robe, snuggle up on the couch, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. Sounds like a perfect way to end the day, right?
But what if the robe is rough, scratchy, or smelly? That would ruin the whole experience and make your child unhappy. That’s why it’s important to take good care of your kids’ towel robes, so they can stay absorbent, comfy, and long-lasting.
In this article, we’ll show you how to wash and care for your kids’ towel robes, and keep them snuggle-worthy. Follow these tips and you’ll never have to worry about your child’s robe losing its charm.
Contents
1. Decoding Fabric Labels
Before you wash your kids’ towel robes, you should always check the fabric label for specific care instructions. Different fabrics may have different needs, and you don’t want to damage the robe by using the wrong method.
Here are some common robe materials and their unique needs:
- Cotton terrycloth: This is the most popular material for towel robes, as it is soft, absorbent, and durable. Cotton terrycloth can be washed in cold water and tumble dried on low heat. However, it can shrink and fade over time, so avoid high heat and bleach.
- Microfiber: This is a synthetic material that is lightweight, quick-drying, and resistant to stains and wrinkles. Microfiber can be washed in cold water and air dried or tumble dried on low heat. However, it can attract lint and pill easily, so wash it separately from other clothes and use a soft brush to remove any fuzz.
- Flannel: This is a cozy material that is warm, soft, and breathable. Flannel can be washed in cold water and tumble dried on low heat. However, it can shrink and lose its shape, so avoid high heat and stretching.
Related: The Benefits of Organic Cotton Towel Robes for Kids with Sensitive Skin
2. Washing Essentials
Now that you know what kind of fabric your kids’ towel robes are made of, you can follow these washing essentials to keep them clean and fresh.
- Frequency: You don’t need to wash your kids’ towel robes after every use, as that can wear them out faster. A good rule of thumb is to wash them after 3-4 uses, or after a messy playtime. Of course, if the robe is visibly dirty or smelly, you should wash it right away.
- Temperature: To prevent shrinkage and color fading, you should always use cold water to wash your kids’ towel robes. Cold water is also gentler on the fabric and helps preserve its quality.
- Detergent: To avoid irritation and residue build-up, you should use a mild, fragrance-free detergent to wash your kids’ towel robes. You should also use the right amount of detergent, as too much can leave a film on the fabric and make it stiff and dull. One of the best detergents for kids’ clothing is Downy Ultra Cool Cotton Liquid Fabric Conditioner (Fabric Softener), which is specially designed to keep cotton fabrics soft and fresh. It also has a cool and crisp scent that your kids will love.
Downy Liquid Fabric Conditioner helps prevent stretching, fading, and fuzz
- Washing Cycle: To protect the delicate fibers of your kids’ towel robes, you should use a gentle cycle to wash them. A gentle cycle uses less agitation and less water, which reduces the risk of damage and tangling.
Here are some additional tips to make your washing more effective:
- Wash your kids’ towel robes separately from other clothes, especially those that produce lint, such as towels, fleece, and wool. This will prevent lint transfer and keep your robes smooth and clean.
- Pre-treat any stains promptly with a stain remover that is safe for kids’ clothing. Different types of stains may require different treatments, such as soaking, scrubbing, or blotting. You can find more tips on how to remove common stains here.
- Consider adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra softness. This works especially well for cotton robes, as vinegar helps remove any detergent residue and restore the natural pH of the fabric. Vinegar also has antibacterial and deodorizing properties, which can keep your robes fresh and hygienic.
3. Drying Do’s and Don’ts
After washing your kids’ towel robes, you need to dry them properly to maintain their fluffiness and comfort. Here are some do’s and don’ts for drying your kids’ towel robes.
- Tumble Drying: If you choose to tumble dry your kids’ towel robes, you should use low heat to avoid shrinkage and maintain fluffiness. High heat can damage the fabric and make it rough and brittle. You should also check the dryer frequently and remove the robes as soon as they are dry, as over-drying can cause static and wrinkles.
- Air Drying: If you prefer to air dry your kids’ towel robes, you should hang them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the color and weaken the fabric. You should also avoid hanging the robes on a wire hanger, as that can stretch and distort the shape. Instead, use a padded hanger or a clothesline to support the weight of the robe.
- Avoid: There are some things you should never do when drying your kids’ towel robes, as they can harm the fabric and irritate the skin. These include using fabric softeners, which can coat the fibers and reduce their absorbency and softness; using bleach, which can damage the fabric and cause discoloration and holes; and ironing, which can flatten the fibers and make them stiff and scratchy.
4. Maintaining Softness and Fluffiness
One of the best things about towel robes is their softness and fluffiness, which make them so cozy and cuddly. To keep your kids’ towel robes snuggle-worthy, you should follow these tips to maintain their softness and fluffiness.
- Shake it up: After drying, you should give your kids’ towel robes a good shake to fluff up the fibers and remove any wrinkles. This will help restore the volume and texture of the fabric and make it more airy and comfortable.
- Tennis ball trick: If you want to add some extra fluff to your kids’ towel robes, you can try the tennis ball trick. This involves throwing a couple of tennis balls in the dryer along with the robes, on low heat. The tennis balls will bounce around and create friction, which will help fluff up the fibers and make them more plush. This works especially well for cotton robes, but you should avoid it for microfiber or flannel robes, as it can damage the fabric.
- Brushing: If your kids’ towel robes are made of microfiber, you may notice some lint and pilling on the surface over time. To remove these, you can use a soft brush to gently brush the fabric and restore its smoothness and shine. You should avoid using a brush on cotton or flannel robes, as it can pull out the fibers and make them thin and rough.
5. Dealing with Stains and Odors
Sometimes, your kids’ towel robes may get stained or smelly, especially if they are used for outdoor activities or stored in damp places. To keep your kids’ towel robes clean and fresh, you should follow these tips to deal with stains and odors.
- Pre-treat any stains based on the type (food, grass, etc.) with a stain remover that is safe for kids’ clothing. Different types of stains may require different treatments, such as soaking, scrubbing, or blotting. You can find more tips on how to remove common stains here.
- Baking soda can help neutralize mild odors, such as sweat, urine, or mildew. To use baking soda, you can sprinkle some on the robe and let it sit for a few hours, then shake it off and wash it as usual. Baking soda can also help brighten the color and soften the fabric.
- Avoid using harsh stain removers or too much detergent, which can trap odors and make them worse. Instead, use a mild, fragrance-free detergent and the right amount of water to rinse the robe thoroughly. You can also add some vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra freshness.
Conclusion
Your kids’ towel robes are more than just pieces of fabric. They are sources of comfort, warmth, and joy for your little ones. By following these tips, you can wash and care for your kids’ towel robes, and keep them soft, fluffy, and snuggle-worthy.
Now go hug your kids in their super-soft robes!
Bonus Section
Here are some additional tips for storing, preventing snags, and extending the lifespan of your kids’ towel robes.
- To store your kids’ towel robes, you should fold them neatly and place them in a dry, cool, and dark place. You can also hang them on a padded hanger in a closet, but make sure they are not crowded or pressed by other clothes. You should avoid storing them in plastic bags, as that can trap moisture and cause mold and mildew.
- To prevent snags, you should avoid wearing or washing your kids’ towel robes with items that have zippers, hooks, or Velcro, as they can catch and pull the fibers. You should also trim any loose threads or snags with scissors, and avoid pulling or twisting them.
- To extend the lifespan of your kids’ towel robes, you should rotate them regularly and avoid using them for other purposes, such as cleaning or wiping. You should also replace them when they show signs of wear and tear, such as holes, tears, or thin
