Care Guide

Care Guide

Because great products deserve great care.

At Dwell, we design our bath essentials to last — but how you care for them plays a big role in how long they stay soft, absorbent, and beautiful. Follow this guide to get the most out of every Dwell product.

Towels

Towels are one of those things that can either get better with time or worse — and the difference usually comes down to how you wash them.

Washing

  • Machine wash warm on a gentle cycle. Avoid hot water as it breaks down cotton fibers over time and causes shrinkage.
  • Use a mild, liquid detergent. Powder detergents can leave residue that stiffens the fabric.
  • Avoid fabric softeners. As counterintuitive as it sounds, fabric softeners coat the fibers and reduce absorbency over time. If you want extra softness, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead — it naturally softens without clogging the fibers.
  • Wash dark-colored towels separately for the first few washes to prevent color transfer.

Drying

  • Tumble dry on a low to medium heat setting. High heat weakens the cotton fibers and causes towels to lose their fluffiness faster.
  • Remove from the dryer promptly and give them a good shake before folding — this helps restore the pile and keeps them feeling plush.
  • Avoid over-drying. Taking them out while they are just slightly damp and allowing them to finish air-drying preserves softness.
  • Never dry clean your towels.

Storage

  • Store folded towels in a cool, dry place with good airflow. Avoid storing damp towels in enclosed spaces as this encourages mildew growth.
  • Hang your towels fully open between uses so they can dry completely.

Pro Tip: Your Dwell towels will get noticeably softer after the first three to four washes. This is completely normal — the natural cotton fibers open up and bloom with washing.

Bathrobes

Your robe is something you reach for every single day, so keeping it in great shape is worth a little extra attention.

Washing

  • Machine wash warm on a gentle cycle with similar colors.
  • Use a mild liquid detergent and avoid bleach, even on white robes — bleach weakens cotton fibers and causes yellowing over time.
  • Turn your robe inside out before washing to protect the outer surface and any embroidered details.
  • Do not overload the washing machine — robes need room to move freely to wash evenly.

Drying

  • Tumble dry on a low heat setting. Remove the robe while it is still slightly damp and hang it to finish drying naturally — this prevents shrinkage and keeps the fabric from becoming stiff.
  • If your robe has a hood, reshape it while damp and allow it to air dry fully.
  • Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric as this distorts the fibers and the shape of the robe.

Storage

  • Hang your robe on a sturdy hook or hanger between uses. Folding a robe for long periods can cause permanent creasing along the seams.
  • Store in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time.

Pro Tip: If your robe develops a musty smell, rewash it with half a cup of baking soda added to the drum along with your regular detergent. This neutralizes odors naturally without damaging the fabric.

Bath Mats

Bath mats work hard — they get wet every day and sit on the floor, which makes proper care essential for both longevity and hygiene.

Washing

  • Machine wash warm on a regular cycle. Bath mats are sturdier than towels and robes and can handle a slightly more vigorous wash.
  • Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which reduce the mat's absorbency.
  • Wash your bath mat separately or with similar items — never with clothing.
  • Wash your bath mat at least once a week to prevent the buildup of bacteria, mold, and mildew.

Drying

  • Tumble dry on a low to medium heat setting.
  • If your bath mat has a rubber or non-slip backing, air dry it instead of using the dryer — heat can warp or crack rubber over time.
  • Make sure the mat is completely dry before placing it back on the floor or storing it.

Storage

  • Hang your bath mat over the side of the tub or on a towel rail between uses so it can dry out fully between washes.
  • Never leave a wet bath mat bunched up on the floor — this is the fastest way to develop mold and unpleasant odors.

Shower Curtains

Washing

  • Most Dwell shower curtains are machine washable. Check the label on your specific curtain to confirm.
  • Wash on a gentle cycle with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent.
  • Add a couple of white towels to the wash — they act as gentle scrubbers that help remove soap scum and mildew buildup.
  • For stubborn mildew stains, soak the curtain in a solution of warm water and white vinegar for 30 minutes before washing.

Drying

  • Do not put your shower curtain in the dryer. Hang it back on the curtain rod while still damp and let it air dry fully — the weight of the water will naturally pull out most wrinkles.
  • Make sure the curtain is spread out evenly on the rod so air can circulate around the entire surface.

Day-to-Day Care

  • After every shower, spread the curtain fully open across the rod so it dries quickly and evenly. Leaving it bunched up encourages mildew.
  • Wipe down the bottom hem regularly as this is the area most prone to soap and hard water buildup.

Pro Tip: Wash your shower curtain once a month to keep it looking fresh and prevent mildew from taking hold.

General Care Tips for All Dwell Products

  • Wash before first use. All Dwell products benefit from a wash before their first use — it removes any residual packaging odors and softens the fabric right from the start.
  • Avoid bleach. Unless a product is specifically labeled as bleach-safe, avoid using bleach on any Dwell item. It weakens fibers, strips color, and shortens the life of the product significantly.
  • Use the right amount of detergent. Using too much detergent is one of the most common mistakes people make. Excess detergent doesn't rinse out fully and leaves a residue that stiffens fabric over time. Always follow the recommended amount on your detergent packaging.
  • Don't overstuff the washing machine. Bath products need room to move in the drum to wash and rinse properly. Overfilling leads to uneven washing and can leave detergent residue behind.
  • Keep away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight fades colors and weakens fabric fibers. Store and dry your products out of direct sun where possible.

Still Have Questions?

If you have a question about caring for a specific Dwell product that isn't covered here, our team is happy to help. Reach out to us at support@dwellbath.com and we'll get back to you within 1–2 business days.