Washing settings guide

Best Washing Machine Setting for Towels

A practical UK towel-washing guide for fresher, cleaner, better-rinsed towels.

Use a cottons programme, 40°C to 60°C, and a high spin for towels. Avoid overloading, too much detergent, and fabric softener build-up.

Last updated: 29 April 2026

Quick answer

Best washing machine setting

Program

Cottons

Temperature

40°C to 60°C

Spin

1200 to 1400 rpm

Why: Cottons gives towels enough wash time, rinse movement, and spin power for heavy absorbent fabric.

Safe tip: Avoid overloading so towels can move, rinse, and spin properly.

Can I still use it?

Maybe

You can still wash towels at 40°C for normal use, but heavy, stale, or hygiene-sensitive loads usually benefit from 60°C where the label allows.

Use 60°C for hygiene-focused washes where towel care labels allow it.
Use 40°C for lightly used towels with correct detergent and full drying.
If smells persist, run a maintenance wash and check drainage pages such as Bosch E18.

Step-by-step setup

1.Load towels loosely and keep the drum below full.
2.Select Cottons.
3.Use 40°C for normal towel washing or 60°C for hygiene where the label allows.
4.Set spin to 1200 to 1400 rpm if suitable for the towels.
5.Dry towels promptly so moisture does not sit in the fibres.

Why this works

Cottons cycles at suitable temperatures improve rinse and spin performance on heavy absorbent fabrics, helping remove oils, moisture, and detergent residue more effectively than short mixed washes.

When to use this setting

Bath towels, hand towels, and flannels.
Bath mats if the care label allows machine washing.
Heavy cotton fabrics that need strong rinsing and a high spin.

When not to use it

Delicates, wool, silk, and synthetic gym wear.
Waterproof or rubber-backed bath mats unless the label allows it.
Mixed loads with light clothing that may tangle around towels.

Common mistakes

Using a quick wash for a heavy towel load.
Using too much detergent, which can make towels stiff and may contribute to Samsung SUD.
Overloading the drum, which can cause poor rinsing, smells, and spin imbalance.

Related guides

Washing Machine Leaves Residue on Clothes

Residue is often caused by too much detergent, overloading, low water movement, short cycles, poor rinsing, or drainage issues.

Washing Machine Smells After Wash: What Setting Should You Use?

Use a hotter cottons wash for towels and bedding where allowed, avoid overloading, reduce detergent if needed, and check whether poor drainage is contributing to smells.

What Temperature to Wash Clothes in the UK

Use 30°C for lightly worn clothes, 40°C for more soiled everyday items, and 60°C for towels, bedding, or hygiene loads where the care label allows.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash towels at 40°C?+

Yes, 40°C is often fine for normal towel washing. Use 60°C for a hygiene wash when the towel label allows it.

Why do towels smell after washing?+

Common causes include low-temperature washing, overloading, too much detergent, slow drying, or a washer that needs cleaning.

Should I use fabric softener on towels?+

It is usually better to avoid frequent fabric softener on towels because it can reduce absorbency and contribute to residue.