Washing Instructions For Your New Towels

To ensure optimum performance, colour retention and long-lasting quality, we recommend following these guidelines before placing new towels into regular service.

White Towels – 100% Cotton

During the manufacturing process, white cotton towels are treated with an Optical Brightener (OB) to maintain their bright white appearance during storage and transport.

Before first use, it is important to remove any excess Optical Brightener to prevent the possibility of yellowing or shadowing during future laundering.

Before First Use

  • Wash new white towels at least once—preferably twice—in clean water only.
  • Do not add detergent during these initial washes.
  • Wash in warm water, not exceeding 60°C.
  • If any yellowing or shadowing remains, repeat the process with additional washes in clean water until it disappears.

Drying

  • Tumble dry using Medium Heat (maximum 60°C).
  • Finish with a 10-minute cool-down cycle to help maintain softness and minimise shrinkage.

Coloured Towels

For the best colour retention and long-term performance, coloured towels should also be conditioned before first use.

Before First Use

  • Wash coloured towels twice in clean water only.
  • Do not use detergent during these initial washes.
  • Add one cup of salt to each of the first two washes to assist with colour setting and improve colourfastness.

After these initial washes, towels can be laundered using your normal commercial washing procedures and recommended detergents.

Important Information

Some colour loss during the first few washes is normal, particularly with darker shades such as:

  • Navy
  • Burgundy
  • Dark Green
  • Charcoal
  • Other deep colours

This is a normal characteristic of dyed cotton products and should not be considered a manufacturing fault.

Best Practice

Following these recommendations before first use will help to:

  • Maximise towel performance
  • Maintain colour vibrancy
  • Reduce the risk of yellowing on white towels
  • Improve softness and absorbency
  • Extend the life of your commercial towelling

By following these simple laundering guidelines, your Hallmark and Jademark towels will continue to deliver the quality, comfort and durability expected in commercial accommodation and healthcare environments.