RMIT
Have you ever wondered why old tea towels often perform better than new ones at drying dishes? An RMIT expert explains the science behind why tea towels can improve with age.
Dr Rebecca Van Amber, Senior Lecturer in Fashion and Textiles
Key points:
- Tea towels are typically made from cotton or linen fibres, chosen specifically because these natural cellulose fibres are inherently hygroscopic, or water-loving.
- Many home textiles genuinely perform better after repeated laundering, which helps them to shed factory finishes, and relax into their true structure.
- Many brand-new textiles arrive coated in silicone softeners that provide softness and wrinkle resistance, making them appealing on store shelves.
- But here's the catch, these same finishes are often water resistant.
- Repeated washing and drying causes minor surface damage that actually improves performance as it leads to more surface texture and better absorption.
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