Yes, you can use normal laundry detergent on terry cloth towels. Terry cloth towels are commonly used in households, and they are made of cotton with loops or piles of yarn that make them soft and absorbent. Since they are made of cotton, they can be laundered using regular laundry detergent without any issues.
When washing terry cloth towels, follow these tips:
Use the right amount of detergent: Follow the instructions on your detergent's packaging to determine the appropriate amount to use based on your load size and water hardness.
Avoid using fabric softeners: Fabric softeners can reduce the absorbency of terry cloth towels. Instead, you can add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle occasionally to help remove detergent residues and maintain the towels' absorbency.
Wash in warm water: Using warm water is generally sufficient for cleaning towels effectively. Hot water may cause shrinking and fading over time.
Avoid overloading the washer: Ensure there's enough space for the towels to move around freely during the wash cycle. Overloading can lead to inadequate cleaning and rinsing.
Don't use bleach excessively: While occasional use of chlorine bleach is fine for white towels, excessive use can weaken the fabric over time and cause yellowing. Consider using oxygen-based bleach (color-safe bleach) on colored towels to prevent fading and damage.
Avoid washing with items that have zippers or hooks: These can catch on the loops of terry cloth towels and potentially damage them.
Tumble dry on low or medium heat: High heat can cause terry cloth towels to shrink or become stiff. To maintain their softness and fluffiness, use a low or medium heat setting in the dryer.
By following these guidelines, you can keep your terry cloth towels clean, soft, and absorbent for a long time. Always check the care label on your towels for any specific manufacturer recommendations or requirements.