Lodge Dish Towel Care: Keep It Absorbent & Soft

Quick answer

Wash your Lodge dish towel in warm water with mild detergent, skip fabric softener, and tumble dry on low to keep it super absorbent and soft.

How to care for your Lodge dish towel

1. Shake out crumbs before washing: Give the towel a firm shake outdoors or over a trash bin to remove food particles and debris. This prevents stains from setting and keeps your washer cleaner. A quick shake saves you from pre-rinsing or stain-treating later.
2. Machine wash warm with mild detergent: Use warm water (not hot) and a gentle, liquid detergent. Hot water can shrink cotton and set stains. Avoid bleach or oxygen cleaners, which weaken fibers over time. Stick to warm washes — hot water is unnecessary and can shorten the towel's life.
3. Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets: Fabric softeners coat cotton fibers with a waxy layer that blocks absorbency. The towel will feel soft initially but won't dry dishes effectively. Omit them entirely. If you want softness, let the towel's natural cotton soften on its own through washing and drying.
4. Tumble dry on low or air dry: Dry the towel on a low heat setting. High heat can shrink the cotton and make it stiff. For maximum fluffiness, remove the towel while still slightly damp and let it finish air drying. Low heat preserves the fibers; high heat causes shrinkage and stiffness.
5. Store in a dry, ventilated spot: Fold the towel loosely and keep it in a drawer or on a hook where air circulates. Damp towels left in a pile can develop mildew odors. A dry towel stays fresh and ready for use. Good airflow prevents musty smells between washes.

Product spotlight

• Not Old School Well Seasoned Lodge Dish Towel: Made of 100% lint-free cotton that is super absorbent, machine washable, and gets softer over time. This means the towel won't shed lint on your freshly seasoned cast iron, and it becomes more comfortable and absorbent with each wash when cared for properly.