Have you ever wondered how hotels manage to keep their towels so perfectly white and fluffy, even after countless washes? Unlike home laundry, hotels follow a strict cleaning process using special detergents, high-quality fabrics, and the right washing techniques.
In this article, we’ll explore the secrets behind hotel-white towels and how you can achieve the same results at home.

Contents
- 1 Importance of White Hotel Towels
- 2 The Challenge of Maintaining White Hotel Towels
- 3 What Detergent Do Hotels Use?
- 4 What Do Hotels Use to Get Their Towels So White?
- 5 How to Get Dirty White Towels White Again?
- 6 How Do Hotels Keep Sheets White?
- 7 How to Keep Towels White at Home?
- 8 Oxygen Bleach – The Secret to Bright Towels
- 9 So, How Do Hotels Keep Their Towels So White?
- 10 How to Dry Towels to Keep Them Soft
- 11 Conclusion
Importance of White Hotel Towels
White towels symbolize cleanliness, luxury, and comfort. Hotels prefer them because:
- They create a fresh and hygienic look.
- White towels can be easily bleached and sanitized.
- They match any bathroom decor and are cost-effective over time.
Keeping them clean, however, is a challenge due to frequent use and stains. Let’s look at how hotels maintain their crisp whiteness.
The Challenge of Maintaining White Hotel Towels
1. Stains and Discoloration
Hotel towels often come into contact with makeup, body oils, sweat, and even cleaning chemicals, which can cause yellowing and stains.
2. Frequent Usage
Since towels are washed daily, they wear out faster. Harsh detergents or the wrong washing techniques can make them look dull.
3. Color Bleeding
If not washed separately, colored linens can bleed onto white towels, making them look faded or gray.
4. Consistency Across Multiple Washes
Hotels need their towels to remain bright white even after hundreds of washes. To achieve this, they use specific cleaning agents and techniques.

What Detergent Do Hotels Use?
Hotels don’t use regular home detergents. Instead, they rely on commercial-grade detergents that:
✅ Remove deep stains
✅ Contain enzymes for breaking down dirt and grease
✅ Include optical brighteners to enhance whiteness
Many hotels also add fabric-safe bleach or whitening agents to keep towels looking brand new.
What Do Hotels Use to Get Their Towels So White?
Hotels follow a strict washing routine to maintain their towels’ bright white color. Here’s what they do:
1. Pre-Soaking
Before washing, towels are soaked in a mixture of hot water, detergent, and stain removers to loosen dirt.
2. Using Oxygen Bleach Instead of Chlorine Bleach
Oxygen bleach is preferred over chlorine bleach because:
✔️ It’s gentler on fabric
✔️ It removes stains without weakening the fibers
✔️ It prevents yellowing over time
3. Adding Water Softeners
Hard water can leave mineral deposits, making towels stiff and dull. Hotels use water softeners to keep them soft and absorbent.
How to Get Dirty White Towels White Again?
If your towels have lost their brightness, try these hotel-approved tricks:
1️⃣ Wash towels in hot water with a good detergent.
2️⃣ Add oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide to whiten them naturally.
3️⃣ Avoid fabric softeners, as they leave a residue that attracts dirt.
4️⃣ Use baking soda and vinegar to break down detergent buildup.
How Do Hotels Keep Sheets White?
Just like towels, hotel sheets go through a strict cleaning process:
✔️ They are washed separately to prevent color contamination.
✔️ They are cleaned with industrial detergents and high temperatures.
✔️ Some hotels use blueing agents to enhance whiteness.
How to Keep Towels White at Home?
Want hotel-quality white towels at home? Follow these tips:
🔹 Use oxygen bleach instead of chlorine bleach.
🔹 Always wash towels separately from colored fabrics.
🔹 Avoid overloading the washing machine to ensure proper cleaning.
🔹 Add baking soda or vinegar to remove odors and keep towels fresh.
Oxygen Bleach – The Secret to Bright Towels
Hotels often choose oxygen bleach over chlorine bleach because:
✅ It’s gentle on fabrics
✅ It removes stains naturally
✅ It prevents yellowing and fabric damage
Oxygen bleach works by releasing oxygen bubbles, which lift stains and restore whiteness.
So, How Do Hotels Keep Their Towels So White?
1. Quality is Key
Hotels invest in high-quality cotton towels that can withstand frequent washing.
2. Regular Sorting and Washing
Towels are sorted by color and level of dirt before washing.
3. Choosing the Right Temperature
Hot water kills bacteria but isn’t always best for all fabrics. Hotels use the right temperature settings to clean towels without damaging them.
4. Go For Remedies
Hotels use simple yet effective remedies like baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide for bright, soft towels.
How to Dry Towels to Keep Them Soft
1. Utilize Dryer Sheets or Dryer Balls
These help prevent static and keep towels fluffy.
2. Opt for Medium Temperature
High heat damages fibers, so hotels use moderate drying temperatures.
3. Occasionally Line Dry
Sunlight naturally whitens and disinfects towels.
4. Avoid Overloading the Dryer
This ensures proper air circulation for even drying.
Conclusion
Hotels keep their towels white by using high-quality detergents, oxygen bleach, and proper washing techniques. By following the same sorting, soaking, and drying methods, you can achieve hotel-like white towels at home.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Use oxygen bleach, baking soda, and vinegar for whitening.
✔️ Wash towels separately from colored fabrics.
✔️ Avoid fabric softeners, as they trap detergent residue.
✔️ Dry towels correctly to maintain softness and brightness.
By implementing these hotel-inspired laundry tips, you can enjoy fresh, clean, and ultra-white towels every day!