Knowing how to wash tea towels stops you from having a dirty, bacteria-filled kitchen.
Even though a tea towel isn’t a dish towel (a dish towel is not anti-bacterial like a tea towel and more prone to having musty odours), caring for your tea towel is important.
Unless you love to have that lingering odour that only guests notice since your nose has gotten use to it.
It is not only important to choose the right fabric for a tea towel. It is also important to know how to take care of a tea towel (especially an Irish linen tea towel) means having a trusted tool in the kitchen that lasts you decades.
But how do you properly take care of them and what should you avoid?
Right now, we’ll talk about the important questions about washing tea towels: how often you should wash them, how you should wash them, how to dry them and how to store them.
How Often Should You Wash Your Tea Towels?
The answer depends on how often you use them.
Some may think because the tea towel (more specifically an Irish linen tea towel) is anti-bacterial that it means it can clean itself and doesn’t need care.
Not true. Here’s what happens if you don’t wash your tea towels:
- Odour Retention – Unwashed towels will hold onto kitchen smells like oil, garlic, or fish.
- Stains Set Permanently – The longer spills sit, the harder they are to remove.
- Reduced Absorbency – Dirt and oil buildup can affect the fabric’s ability to soak up moisture.
- Discolouration – White or light linens will start to yellow over time without regular washing.
- Dulling of Texture – Dust, skin oils, and particles will break down linen’s natural softness.
- Attracts Pests – Crumbs and organic residue can draw insects or mites over time.
- Breakdown of Fibres – Without care, dirt rubs against fibers and wears the towel out faster.
- Impression of Neglect – In guest settings, a dirty towel undermines the feel of a clean, intentional home.
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Cross-contamination – Using the same towel for hands, dishes, and counters without washing spreads bacteria between surfaces.
You might have read all that and got nervous. Don’t be, the tea towel is still the best towel you will have in your kitchen by far.
Unlike other cloths usually used in the kitchen, a tea towel can be used for so many things:
- Drying Dishes – Its absorbent, and won’t leave lint on glassware and plates like other towels.
- Lining Bread Baskets – Adds a rustic, elegant touch to table settings.
- Covering Baked Goods – Keeps scones, loaves, or pies warm without making it soggy or moldy.
- Polishing Cutlery or Glass – Leaves no streaks giving you a spotless finish.
- Table Centrepiece Layer – Acts as a layering piece beneath trays or vases.
- Wrapping Fresh Herbs – protects the herbs being stored in the fridge.
- Hand Towel for Guests – A softer, more luxurious option after washing your hands.
- Cooking Companion – Use as a pot holder or to handle hot trays and dishes.
The tea towel to you is what Robin is to Batman, the best sidekick a superhero can ask for.
You want to aim for the minimum once a week to wash your tea towel. This ensures that the fibres of the towel are maintained and the towel maintains it’s clean look.
However, if you do find yourself using the tea towel for many tasks throughout the day, then increasing it twice a week might be better for you.
How To Wash Tea Towels
Lukewarm Is Best, And Keep It Gentle
Washing is where many people mess up when it comes to Irish Linen tea towels.
They think the answer to how to wash tea towels involves using high heat. If you use high heat to wash your tea towels, the fibres become damaged and will not last as long. It’s absorption ability will decrease.
When washing the tea towel, here’s a quick summary on what to know:
- Use Cold or Lukewarm Water – Always wash linen in cold to lukewarm water (30°C / 86°F max). Hot water can shrink the fibers and damage the weave.
- Choose a Gentle Detergent – Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners. A mild, pH-neutral detergent keeps the linen strong and soft.
- Avoid Overloading the Machine – Give your linen space to move freely in the wash to prevent twisting and wrinkling. It also lets it absorb the water more effectively
- Skip the Fabric Softener – Linen softens naturally with use and washing. Softeners can coat the fibers and reduce absorbency.
- Avoid Dry Cleaning – It’s unnecessary for everyday linen. Machine or hand washing is more than enough.
- Wash Separately or with Similar Textures – Washing with rougher fabrics like denim or zippers can damage the linen weave.
Drying Your Irish Linen Tea Towels the Right Way
No Sunlight At All
After learning how to wash tea towels, the next step is drying them.
Properly drying your linen tea towels will preserve their softness, structure, and longevity. While linen dries quickly, the way you handle it post-wash makes a big difference in how long it lasts, and how good it looks.
When it comes to Irish linen tea towels (or other materials):
- Avoid Direct Sunlight – It weakens linen fibers and causes fading over time.
- Air Dry Naturally When Possible – This is the gentlest method. Keep the room at room temperature.
- Iron While Damp if Desired – If you like a smoother, crisper look, press the tea towel while it’s still slightly damp for best results.
- Use Tumble Drying Sparingly – If you're short on time, a gentle tumble dry is fine, but frequent use will wear out the fabric faster.
Proper Storage for Irish Linen Tea Towels
Cool, And Dark. No Sunlight.
Even after washing and drying your linen tea towel with care, improper storage can undo all that effort.
Irish linen is a natural, breathable fabric, but it’s also sensitive to its environment. To preserve its softness, color, and integrity, you just have to keep the below in mind:
How to Store Your Irish Linen Tea Towels:
- Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight – As said before, It fades the fabric and weakens its natural fibers.
- Store in A Dark Place – Cabinets or drawers away from windows are ideal for protecting against light damage.
- Avoid Humid, Damp Environments – Humid conditions can encourage mildew and break down the fibers gradually.
- Choose a Well-Ventilated Area – Airflow helps prevent musty odors and discourages moisture buildup.
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Use Breathable Storage – Avoid plastic bins. Opt for cotton or linen bags that allow the fabric to “breathe.”
