Follow these steps to ensure your Pestemal is soft and comfortable when wearing as a blanket wrap, absorbent when used as a towel, and lasts a lifetime.
Pre-Wash/Soak
You need to wash or soak your Pestemal before using it the first time. Turkish cotton has exceptionally long fibers. Before these fibers can soften or absorb water off your body, they need to be exposed to water to loosen and open. For maximum absorption right away, soak your new Pestemal in cool water in your bathtub or sink overnight.
Remember, your Pestemal is durable but does need a little TLC when it comes to laundering. Wash on the gentle cycle in cool water (maximum 86°F). Please do NOT use bleach or fabric softener and use only a small amount of detergent. Too much soap makes any cotton fabric feel stiff and scratchy.
You may also want to consider washing your Pestemal in an extra-large mesh laundry bag to prevent the tassels from catching on anything, but it is not required.
Hang to dry or tumble dry on low heat
The best way to dry is in the open air, but it you can tumble dry on low heat. Remember that cotton may shrink, so avoid high heat at all costs. Do NOT use dryer sheets. Try using wool dryer balls instead.
With proper care, your Pestemal will continue to get softer and more absorbent with each use.