Tea towels that dry

[ZebUK]

When I was living at home (many years ago) I remember we had tea towels that would dry things.

We've tried loads of types and makes and all we can find are tea towels that dry very little and leave a film of water over surfaces.

Even after putting brand new tea towels through the washing machine they don't dry properly and we're not buying excessively cheap items here either. Some expensive items have been given to us as presents yet nothing seems to dry anything whether it's the dishes or kitchen worktops.

Anyone able to help please?

[kat1]

You need 'Terry Towels' Zebuk it's all i buy. They are usually the checked type.

[madmaggot]

I've always found linen ones to be the best. Not cheap and they need to be used a few times to soften them up.

[craft1948]

I use checked tea towels from John Lewis.....they are excellent and dry properly.

[snags]

If you leave it all piled up 'Jenga' style in the drainer for long enough you won't need tea towels at all...

[cathfromsaron]

i buy cheapies from wilko and they do fine! x

[Clanad]

Here in the U.S. one can buy tea towels made from flour sacks. Afraid white is the only color but they work like a charm and are inexpensive...

[craft1948]

lol snags the first Mr Craft used to do that. I'd come home from work and have to wash them again to get rid of the streaks.

[ZebUK]

Thanks so far - I've just checked the labels on the two I can access at the moment and they both say "100% Cotton". The best is fluffy (still doesn't dry properly) and the worst isn't fluffy and resembles material that would be more fitting as a thin "hippy shirt" if that makes any sense :)

Does how you wash tea towels change how they function? Like how hot the water is or chemicals?

[hc4361]

Huh. I bought some cheapos from Wilkos and when I washed them they were handkerchief sized and still didn't dry.

[lilacben]

I always put any new tea towel.towels.face cloths in soak over night in cold water. Thne wash them in the washing machine. After that they are ok for use. If the colours will run put salt into the water.

[boxtops]

I really dislike towelling tea towels - I use linen ones. Are you using fabric conditioner in your laundry? - that coats the fabric as you wash them - try washing them without any conditioner.

[EcclesCake]

I agree with boxtops, make sure you're not adding fabric conditioner to the wash.

[EDDIE51]

Yes, fabric conditioner is a big no no for tea towels , they will never dry properly if you have used fabric conditioner. If you have used fabric conditioner on them wash them again without it, may have to do it a 2nd time before all traces are gone.

[atalanta]

Far too many things called "tea towels" these days are made of pure cotton, which is useless for anything except printing novelty slogans or pictures on. The finest drying-fabric is "union" meaning half linen, half cotton, and even then you have to boil them and dry them half a dozen times to make them truly absorbent.

[maggie01]

An elderly friend of mine buys usefull gifts for Christmas and she bought me an e-cloth tea towel to try. Not cheap. About £6 ea but they are excellent. Especially for drying glasses.
No smears. You can buy them online. As I say not cheap but a brilliant product.

[boxtops]

My MIL swears by e-cloths, she uses them for everything including cleaning windows.

[maggie01]

billandhiscat. (love the name). It says on the label that they can be washed 300 times but not to use softner in the wash. Maybe 300 times is pushing it a bit . They are definately worth a try.