Everything You Need to Know About Turkish Towels

Frequently Asked Questions

A pestemal is a traditional towel used in Turkish baths or hammams. It is made of 100% cotton and has a flat and soft texture. It is also very absorbent and quick-drying, making it ideal for bathrooms, pools, spas, beaches, and more. Pestemals come in different styles and colors, depending on the region they are from. Some pestemals have fringes or tassels on the ends, while others have stripes or patterns. Pestemals are also known as foutas or hamman towels in some parts of the world

A pestemal is different from a typical terrycloth towel in several ways. Here are some of the main differences:
  • A pestemal is flat-woven, which means that it has no fluff. A terrycloth towel is looped-woven, which means that it has fluffy loops on the surface.
  • A pestemal is thin and lightweight, while a terrycloth towel is thick and heavy. A pestemal can be easily rolled up and carried around, while a terrycloth towel takes up more space and weight.
  • A pestemal is very absorbent and quick-drying, while a terrycloth towel is less absorbent and slow-drying. A pestemal can soak up water faster and dry faster, while a terrycloth towel can become soggy and smelly if not dried properly
  • A pestemal is versatile and stylish, while a terrycloth towel is just a towel. A pestemal can be used as a beach towel, sarong, bath towel, throw, blanket, scarf, and more. It also comes in different styles and colors, depending on the region it is from. A terrycloth towel is mainly used for drying purposes and has a limited range of designs.

Yes, pestemals are very absorbent. They can soak up water faster than typical terrycloth towels. This is because they are made of 100% cotton and have a flat and soft texture. They also have a high surface area to volume ratio, which allows them to absorb more water per unit of fabric . Pestemals are also quick-drying, which means that they do not retain moisture for long and prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Pestemals are ideal for bathrooms, pools, spas, beaches, and more.

Pestemals are generally more earth-friendly than typical terrycloth towels. This is because pestemals are made of 100% cotton, which is a natural and renewable fiber. Cotton also requires less water and energy to produce and wash than synthetic fibers like polyester, which are derived from fossil fuels. Polyester is also a major source of microplastic pollution, as it sheds tiny fibers every time it is washed or worn. These fibers can end up in the oceans and harm marine life.

Pestemals also have a longer lifespan than terrycloth towels, as they do not lose their shape or quality over time. They can also be used for multiple purposes, reducing the need for other products. Pestemals are therefore more sustainable and eco-friendly than terrycloth towels.

However, pestemals are not completely harmless to the environment. They still have some impacts, such as the use of pesticides and fertilizers in cotton farming, the use of chemicals and dyes in pestemal production, and the greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and packaging. These impacts can vary depending on the source and quality of the pestemals. Therefore, it is important to choose pestemals that are organic, fair trade, and locally made whenever possible.

You can also reduce the environmental impact of pestemals by washing them less frequently, using cold water and natural detergents, and air-drying them instead of using a dryer.

You can also reuse or recycle them when they are no longer needed. By doing these simple steps, you can enjoy the benefits of pestemals while minimizing their environmental impact. 

A pestemal towel is a type of Turkish towel that is used for drying yourself after a bath, shower, or swim. It is also very versatile and can be used for other purposes, such as a beach towel, sarong, scarf, throw, blanket, and more. To use a pestemal towel, you need to follow these steps:

  • Before you use your pestemal towel for the first time, you should soak it in cold water for a few hours or overnight. This will help the cotton fibers to open up and become more absorbent and soft.
  • After soaking, wash your pestemal towel in cold water with a gentle detergent. Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets, as they can damage the cotton fibers and reduce the absorbency and quality of your towel.
  • Dry your pestemal towel on a line or rack. Do not expose it to high heat, as this can cause shrinking.
  • To use your pestemal towel as a bath towel, simply wrap it around your body and tuck in the ends. You can also use it as a hair towel by wrapping it around your head and twisting the ends.
  • To use your pestemal towel as a beach towel, lay it on the sand or on a sunbed and enjoy the sun. You can also use it as a sarong by wrapping it around your waist or chest and tying the ends.
  • To use your pestemal towel as a scarf, fold it in half lengthwise and wrap it around your neck. You can also use it as a shawl by draping it over your shoulders.
  • To use your pestemal towel as a throw, fold it in half or in thirds and place it on your sofa or bed. You can also use it as a blanket by unfolding it and covering yourself with it.

These are some of the ways you can use a pestemal towel. You can also get creative and find your own ways to use this versatile and stylish item. I hope this helps you enjoy your pestemal towel.

All of our Turkish towels are made from 100% organic cotton, which is grown and harvested without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides. This not only ensures that our towels are safe and healthy for you to use, but also helps to support sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming practices.

Organic cotton is known for its softness, durability, and absorbency, making it the perfect material for Turkish towels. Our towels are lightweight and quick-drying, making them ideal for use at the beach, pool, gym, or spa.

If you have any questions or concerns about the materials or quality of our products, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible products and service, and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

We hope this information is helpful! If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

There are different ways to fold your pestemal, depending on how you want to store it or use it. Here are some common methods:

  • To fold your pestemal into a square, lay it flat on a surface and fold it in half lengthwise. Then fold it in half again widthwise. Repeat this step until you have a square that is the size you want. You can stack your folded pestemals on a shelf or in a drawer for easy storage.
  • To fold your pestemal into a rectangle, lay it flat on a surface and fold it in half lengthwise. Then fold it in thirds widthwise. You can roll up your folded pestemal and secure it with a ribbon or a string for a decorative look. You can also place your rolled pestemals in a basket or a bin for easy access.
  • To fold your pestemal into a triangle, lay it flat on a surface and fold it in half diagonally. Then fold it in half again along the long edge. Repeat this step until you have a triangle that is the size you want. You can hang your folded pestemals on a hook or a rod for a stylish display.

These are some of the ways you can fold your pestemal. You can also experiment with different folds and shapes to suit your preference and creativity. I hope this helps you with your pestemal.

Wash your Turkish towel regularly every 3-4 uses or once a week to keep it fresh and clean. However, this may vary depending on how often and how you use your towel. If you use it daily, for example, as a bath towel or a beach towel, you may need to wash it more frequently than if you use it occasionally, for example, as a scarf or a throw. Additionally, if your towel has any odor or visible soil, you should wash it as needed. To wash your Turkish towel, you should follow these steps:

  • Before you use your Turkish towel for the first time, you should soak it in cold water overnight. This will help the cotton fibers to open up and become more absorbent and soft.
  • After soaking, wash your Turkish towel in cold water with a gentle detergent. Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets, as they can damage the fibers and reduce the absorbency and quality of your towel.
  • Line dry your Turkish towel.
  • To make your Turkish towel soft again, you can add a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle. Vinegar helps to remove any leftover soap residue and restore softness.
  • If you notice any loose threads, simply cut them off with scissors.

No, you should not use bleach to remove stains from your Turkish towel. Bleach can damage the color and fibers of your towel and make it less absorbent and soft. Bleach can also react with some types of stains, such as turmeric and hair dye, and make them worse. Instead of bleach, you should use a gentle detergent or an enzyme-based stain remover to pre-treat the stain. You can also use white vinegar or ammonia to help remove the stain, depending on the type of stain. 

Yes, you can use hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from your Turkish towel. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural and effective stain remover that can work on various types of stains, such as blood, wine, coffee, chocolate, and more. However, you need to be careful when using hydrogen peroxide on your Turkish towel, as it can also bleach the color and damage the fibers of your towel if used incorrectly. Here are some tips on how to use hydrogen peroxide as a stain remover for your Turkish towel:

  • Before you use hydrogen peroxide on your Turkish towel, you should test it on a small and inconspicuous area of the towel to make sure it does not cause any discoloration or damage. If you notice any adverse effects, do not use hydrogen peroxide on your towel.
  • To remove stains from your Turkish towel with hydrogen peroxide, you can use a general stain remover spray that contains hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda. You can make this spray at home by mixing 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of dish soap, and 1/4 cup of baking soda in a dark spray bottle. Shake the bottle well to combine the ingredients.
  • Spray a generous amount of the stain remover spray on the stained area of your Turkish towel and work it in with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and then blot it with a damp cloth. Repeat this process until the stain is gone or faded.
  • Wash your Turkish towel as usual in cold water with a gentle detergent. Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets, as they can damage the color and fibers of your towel. Dry your Turkish towel on a line rack or in a low-heat dryer. Do not expose it to direct sunlight or high heat, as they can cause fading and shrinking.
  • Check your Turkish towel before drying. If the stain is still there, repeat the steps above. Do not dry the towel until the stain is completely gone, as heat can set the stain permanently.

I hope this helps you remove stains from your Turkish towel with hydrogen peroxide. 😊

Some other natural stain removers that you can use are:

  • Salt: Salt is a natural abrasive that can help to scrub away stains and absorb moisture. It works well on fresh stains, especially red wine, blood, and perspiration. To use salt as a stain remover, sprinkle some on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, blot the stain with a damp cloth and rinse with cold water.
  • Club soda: Club soda is a natural carbonated water that can help to lift stains and neutralize odors. It works well on fresh stains, especially coffee, tea, juice, and ink. To use club soda as a stain remover, pour some on the stain and blot with a clean cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone or faded.
  • Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural acid that can help to bleach stains and brighten colors. It works well on light-colored fabrics, especially cotton and linen. To use lemon juice as a stain remover, squeeze some on the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, rinse with cold water and dry in the sun.
  • Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a natural starch that can help to absorb grease and oil stains. It works well on dry stains, especially on leather and suede. To use cornstarch as a stain remover, sprinkle some on the stain and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, brush off the cornstarch with a soft brush.