How to Wash, Care For & Store Your Beach Towels Properly

If you’ve ever pulled a musty beach towel from the back of a cupboard and instantly regretted it, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a weekend beachgoer or a full-time sun-chaser, knowing how to wash and care for your beach towels properly can make them last longer, look better, and smell fresher every time.

And if you’ve invested in high-quality, sand-free, quick-dry beach towels like the kind we make at Nomadique, it makes sense to give them a little love. After all, your towel works hard – soaking up the sun, surviving saltwater dips, and keeping you sand-free from Bondi to Byron.

This guide will show you exactly how to care for your beach towel Australia style, so it stays looking and feeling fresh all summer long.

Why It Matters

Caring for your beach towels isn’t just about hygiene – it’s about preserving the performance and life of the towel. When properly looked after, high-quality towels will stay soft, dry fast, and hold their shape even after a long season of salty, sandy adventures.

Plus, if you’re using modern towels made from recycled materials like the ones we offer at Nomadique, proper care also supports sustainability by helping you avoid early replacements.

Washing Your Beach Towels the Right Way

Let’s start with the basics – washing.

New towel? Always wash before use

Before you take your beach towel out for its first dip, give it a gentle wash to soften the fabric and remove any residual production dust. This also helps activate its absorbency.

How often should you wash a beach towel?

If you’ve just sunbathed, a quick shake and air-dry is fine. But if your towel’s been swimming with you or picked up a lot of salt, sunscreen or sand, it’s best to give it a wash after every 2–3 uses.

Washing tips for long-lasting softness

Use cold or warm water – not hot
Use a mild detergent (preferably eco-friendly)
Avoid fabric softeners – they reduce absorbency over time
Wash towels separately from heavy items like jeans or jackets
Shake off excess sand before putting towels in the machine
Pro tip: toss your towel in the washing machine with a couple of tennis balls or dryer balls to help it fluff up without using softeners.

Drying Do’s and Don’ts

Air drying is always best

After a wash, hang your towel to dry somewhere breezy and out of direct sunlight to protect the colour. Thanks to their fast-drying design, our beach towels Australia range will dry in under an hour in warm weather.

Can you tumble dry?

If you’re in a rush, yes – but keep it on low heat and don’t overdo it. High heat can damage the fibres, especially in recycled fabric blends.

Avoid hanging on rough surfaces

Avoid drying your beach towel on wire fences, rocks, or sharp hooks – they can cause snags or wear down the edges.

How to Keep Towels Smelling Fresh

That classic musty smell is usually caused by mildew or trapped moisture – which is easily avoided with a few simple habits.

Always hang to dry after use, don’t leave it crumpled
Store only when completely dry
Avoid leaving wet towels in a bag or boot overnight
Add a splash of white vinegar to your wash every few cycles to neutralise odours naturally
Sunlight can help – if your towel’s smelly, dry it in the sun to kill bacteria

Storing Your Towels Between Beach Days

The way you store your towel can make a big difference in how it looks and smells when you next pull it out.

For everyday summer use

Keep your beach towel folded or rolled in your beach bag. You can also hang it on a hook or towel ladder near the door for easy grab-and-go access.

In the off-season

Make sure your towel is completely clean and dry
Roll instead of folding to avoid deep creases
Store in a breathable cotton bag or drawer – avoid plastic, which can trap moisture
Toss in a lavender pouch or cedarwood sachet to keep things fresh

Caring for Towels with Zip Pockets or Peg Loops

If you’ve got a Nomadique beach towel with zip pocket, it just takes a little extra care.

Before washing, empty the pocket completely
Zip it closed to protect the seam and prevent snagging
When air drying, hang from the corner loops to avoid stretching
Don’t iron – the recycled material and stitching don’t need it and can melt under heat

Can I Use My Beach Towel as a Regular Towel?

Absolutely – especially if it’s a quick-dry towel from our range. Many of our customers use their beach towels for:

Yoga or Pilates mats
Picnic blankets
Camping trips
Poolside lounging
Gym towel alternatives

They’re lighter, dry faster, and don’t take up space like bulky bath towels – which makes them ideal if you’re living that travel-light lifestyle.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Beach Towel

Even the best beach towels in Australia don’t last forever. Here’s how to know when it’s time to upgrade:

Fraying edges
Loss of absorbency
Lingering odour despite washing
Pilling or rough texture
Tears or broken stitching (especially around zip pockets)

If any of the above apply, it might be time to treat yourself to a fresh one. Good news – we know a place.

Choosing the Right Beach Towel So It Lasts

Not all beach towels Australia shoppers come across are built the same. When shopping for a towel that’ll stand the test of time, here’s what to look for:

Made from durable, high-performance fabric (like recycled polyester)
Designed to dry fast and resist sand
Strong stitching, especially around pockets or pegs
Machine washable and resistant to fading
Lightweight enough to carry but big enough to lay on comfortably

At Nomadique, our towels tick every box – and they’re designed right here in Australia, made for Aussie conditions.

→ Shop the Santorini Sand Free Beach Towel  or explore the full collection

Beach Towel Myths – Busted

Let’s clear up a few common myths around beach towel care:

Myth: You need to use hot water to kill bacteria
Truth: Cold or warm water is fine – sun drying does the job

Myth: Fabric softener keeps towels soft
Truth: It actually reduces absorbency and coats the fibres

Myth: All towels are the same
Truth: A high-quality sand-free beach towel Australia style will outperform cheap ones every time – and last way longer

Your Beach Towel Is an Investment – Treat It Like One

You wouldn’t throw your best swimmers in a hot dryer or leave your sunglasses in the sand. Your towel deserves the same kind of care. It’s more than just a fabric rectangle – it’s your seat, your shade, your sunbathing base, and sometimes your whole vibe.

Give it a rinse, shake off the sand, hang it in the shade, and fold it neatly. Your future beach self will thank you.

Final Thoughts

A beach towel is one of those things you don’t really notice – until it’s damp, smelly, or full of sand. With just a little maintenance, you can keep your favourite towel in top condition season after season.

Whether you’re using it daily or storing it for the next summer adventure, caring for your beach towels Australia style doesn’t need to be complicated – just consistent.

And if your towel’s past its prime? We’ve got you. Check out our range of sand-free, quick-dry, eco-friendly beach towels made for Aussie adventures and designed to last.

→ Ready to upgrade? Shop our bestsellers