Archive for the ‘Towels’ Category
Spring Break-Staying in Clean Hotel Rooms
Spring Break! This is a week were families, and young adults take a vacation to sunny parts of the world to relax, have fun in the warm climates away from the last parts of winter.
This might be your first time to vacation away from home or you could be a frequent traveler. When booking your hotel you will want to make sure it has good reviews. There are a number of ways to reassure yourself that you are staying in the cleanest hotel possible. Here are four things you can do to make your vacation a memorable and clean one.
#1 Be Picky: When choosing a hotel room to be clean don’t let your decision be dictated by the price: expensive does not always mean clean. You must look at the hotels reputation. Books and travel guides rate hotels on many factors, one being clean.
#2 Look Around: Just by looking at a hotel room it’s pretty easy to see if it’s clean or dirty. If your towels are dirty and the bath tub is grimy mention it to the staff. You notice that the sheets are stained, the TV stand has a large collection of dust, ask to be moved. Your not only paying for the room, you are paying for a clean one.
#3 Stay away from Rooms that Allow Smoking and Pets: Pet’s can dirty up a clean room with just there hair and muddy or wet paws. They walk on the clean carpet and jump on the beds. If someone smoked in a room the smoke linger in the air and rest on tangible items in the room leaving them discolored and fill with ash-tray like smell.
#4 Get Rid if the Spread: The bedspread on the bed! If there is one item that has not been clean in a while it’s probably the comforter when we think about it you probably don’t wash your comforter at home that often maybe waiting for spring cleaning time of the year. Many times hotel room bedspreads aren’t washed on a regular base. Sheets are washed regularly. The best thing to do is remove the comforter off the bed and leave it in a corner of the room. Hotels with duvet covers on their beds are much easier to keep clean.
With people coming and going it’s hard to keep track of all the germs. Hotels reputed for cleanliness are often reputed for a reason: they are in fact clean.
Hope your Spring Break is a happy and clean one.
The Good, Bad, Ugly Bathroom Towels Part 2
This is the second part of my writings on good, bad, ugly bathroom towels. We are going to talk about the “bad quality” of towels.
Towels that are of bad quality are very thin, flimsy and loose weave material. There design is usually a printed design rather than a design that is embroidered. More often these dad quality towels won’t last after several trips to the washing machine. Bad quality towels are mostly made from materials that are not very absorbent.
When buying towels for your home, carefully read the manufacturer tags before buying ,to discover what materials that were used in the making of the towels. There are other problems with towels made with synthetic material is that they may easily scorch, may even melt if used in handling items coming out of an oven and removing a hot pot from the stove top, or when they are thrown into your dryer. Egyptian cotton towels made of 100% cotton is still your best buy.
Next and last part three will be about the ugly towel
The Good, Bad, Ugly Bathroom Towels Part 1
This is a topic on good, bad and ugly bathroom towels that I have broken up into three parts. Today is the first part and I will talk about the good towels. The most common item found in the home these days is towels. Let me talk to you about selecting the best quality and towel accessories for the home.
Let’s start with the goo-quality towels. These are made from solid sturdy fabric. Towels made of good quality will use colorfast dyes. To purchase good-quality towels will cost more than the cheap towels, but they will last longer especially if your towels are laundered frequently like hand towels and dish towels.
Towels that are made of good quality are also made from absorbent materials. Other towels made with synthetic fabrics don’t absorb even a drop of liquid.
The towel that get’s the best judgment of most people are made from 100% cotton. The most recognized around the world by many is Egyptian cotton towels as being made from superior fabric. When shopping for towels you will pay more for Egyptian cotton towels than any other type, but in the long term it is worth the investment as they will last for years to come.
The next article part two will be about the Bad -Quality of towels.
How Can I Make My Old Towels Soft and Fluffy Again?
Written by S.E. Smith
The stiff sensation of old towels on the skin can be very unpleasant. Some consumers dispose of towels when they start to get old and less absorbent. However, there are ways to make old towels soft and fluffy again, and when well cared for a towel will provide years of productive use. Caring for a towel well throughout its life will prevent the old towel phenomenon as well.
There are several types of material used for towels, all of which behave differently. Terry cloth is most commonly used for towels. Terry cloth is woven on a loom while using additional thread to create loops of material, also called pile. Velour towels are made in a similar manner, but the pile is sheared on one side to create a decorative shiny surface. Other towels include embroidery and other embellishments. It is time to retire old towels when the fibers have worn thin or the towel has developed holes.
When you purchase a towel, make sure that it is of high quality. Cotton tends to wear well throughout the life of the towel, and is easy to care for. Towels made from mixed fibers tend to wear poorly, and also tend not to dry the skin as well. In some cases, mixed materials can cause skin irritation. A towel of high quality will last longer because of the sturdier construction.
A common problem with old towels is that the colors tend to dull. Towels should always be washed with like colors to avoid bleeding of dyes onto other towels. In addition, white towels should always be washed separately. Use lemon juice instead of bleach to wash white towels, as bleach will damage the fabric. Old towels which have experienced color fade can sometimes be redeye, as long as the color is solid.
Old towels tend to be less absorbent and can sometimes acquire a crackly feeling when used. This is caused by being washed in hard water, or excessive detergent use. A fabric so0ftner can lead to lack of absorbency, because the fabric softener coats the fibers in the towel. Washing with vinegar will help to eliminate odor issues and will strip buildup from the towel. If you are concerned about odor issues with your old towels, wash in baking soda for a fresh scent.
Wash towels in warm water with like colors and fabric weights. Try to avoid overfilling your washer so that the towels will be evenly washed and will dry quickly. When you take the towels out, fluff them out before hanging them to dry or putting them in the dryer. Keep the dryer on medium heat and remove the towels promptly. Fluff the towels again before folding.
Old towels do not have to be banished to the darkest corner of the linen closet. Make sure to keep your linens rotated, which will prolong the life of your fabrics. Discard linens which are no longer suitable for use, or turn them into rags for use around the house. Make sure that towels do not remain in an extremely humid environment for more than few days. If the weather or the bathroom is humid, dry the towels in the dryer every few days, and wash them at least once a week.
Luxury Beach Towels - Create a Resort at Home
In today’s economy going on an expensive vacation to a fancy resort is not an option for most people. However, the importance of finding time to “get away from it all” couldn’t be greater when times are hard. That is why creating a resort atmosphere at home is so important. Think about all the perks you get at a fancy resort-type hotel such as luxury beach towels, fancy fruity drinks with little umbrellas and straws in them and a fancy gourmet mint chocolate on your pillow before bed. Taking the time to treat yourself and your partner to these little luxuries can create the same happy feelings and warm memories as going away on an expensive vacation.
You don’t even have to have a built-in pool to enjoy your spa getaway at home. You can array the large bath towels in your bathroom and pretend it is a hot tub. Or you could even put a kiddy pool in the backyard surrounded by tiki torches. Extra large beach towels especially the attractive striped beach towels could then be draped over the lawn chairs to create the perfect faux tropical resort setting. Have fun with the idea and remember that unlike the vacation which will be over and gone, the things you purchase for your resort at home can be used again and again which makes your fantasy vacation even more of a good value.
You might also want to consider ordering some carry-out meals from a local restaurant and serving them picnic style on soft beach towels under the stars. You can contrast the picnic blanket with fancy dishes and silverware like you might find at a resort. After dinner you might want to roll up solid beach towels to use as pillows and hold hands while you gaze up at the stars. Who needs the ocean with a view like that?
Tough economic times don’t have to put an end to romance and relaxation. With a little planning you can create your own resort at home using simple items like beach towels and tiki torches. Life is short and you need to make the most of it while you can, because it’s the simple happy moments we share with loved ones that we take with us.
The History of Bathrobes
By Have you ever wondered the origin of bathrobes? The bathrobe essentially began with the robe. Robes have taken large roles throughout the course of history, and there are numerous robes in addition to bathrobes. Robes are worn in religious ceremonies, as clothing for judges and lawyers, and are also used as part of academic graduations. As time has progressed, these various robes have transformed into the bathrobes of today.
From Robes to Bathrobes
To understand the history of bathrobes, one must start with the robe. Defined as a loose-fitting outer garment, the English word robe was taken from the French word meaning “a woman’s dress.” The robe was differentiated from other similar garments, such as capes or cloaks, because of its sleeves. One of the most noted robes in history is the seamless robe worn by Jesus Christ at the time of his crucifixion. This actual seamless robe is currently kept at an altar by the Roman Catholic Church, and was last publicly viewed in the year 1996.
The Chinese are well known for their use of robes. Chinese robes were made from fine fabrics such as silk, and worn as outer garments. These robes were also adorned with intricate embroidery. These robes were worn as far back as the 1800s, throughout a large part of the Chinese dynasties.
A style of robe that is an inspiration to the design of bath robes is the Japanese kimono style robe. These styles of robes also date back to the early 1800s. The kimono style robes were considered pieces of art by the Japanese. These garments were usually created from silk fabric, or even gold foil, and also had elaborate embroidery. The Chinese and Japanese robes of ancient times are still currently used as traditional apparel in these countries.
The Bathrobe Transformation
As history has progressed, the robe has gradually transformed into the bathrobe. Bathrobes can be defined as robes worn after bathing, or similar activities such as swimming. In European countries, baths were commonly taken in bath houses where several other people would be bathing. Bath robes were commonly used in these countries to cover the body for warmth, as well as, providing privacy. Bath robes of modern times are used for in this very way, and for similar purposes. Both men’s and women’s bathrobes of today are inspired by the robes of the past, and are available in a wide array of fabrics, colors, and styles.
All Beach Towels Are Not Created Equal
By Mark Kuta
Beach towels can be made of different materials and therefore will affect the cost of the towel, how comfortable your pool towel might be and even how heavy or how quickly yours might dry out after use. Below we discuss the three different types of materials used to make most beach towels.
100% Cotton - This is your standard material. Most of your standard towels are going to be made of 100% cotton. cotton is readily available and easy to make so it is typically inexpensive. Another nice thing is the thinner material dries out faster than the more dense material made of Egyptian cotton or cotton velour. By choosing material made of 100% cotton you will also have a wider range in choices of the style you prefer. You can find just about every pattern of beach towel made of 100% cotton so if you decide that you want one made of this material then you won’t have a problem finding it even if you are looking for a big or oversized towel.
Egyptian Cotton - Egyptian cotton is the least available cotton of the three materials and therefore you might have to pay a little more for a towel made of this material. Beach towels made of this material are typically going to be thicker than your 100% cotton towels so therefore will take a little longer to dry and will also take up a little more room when packing them up. Since Egyptian cotton is a little more expensive you are going to find the same variety that you might get when looking for a towel made of cotton but those who typically spend a little more on their towels are willing to pay for the extra comfort and tend to care a little less about the design of their beach towel.
Cotton Velour - You won’t find cotton velour naturally in the wild. Towels made of cotton velour are typically going to be softer and a bit heavier than your other cotton beach towels because manufactures combine cotton typically with polyester to make a tighter weaver of material and more threads per square inch. This means that towels made of cotton velour are going to be much softer and very absorbent but they tend to pick up a lot of sand, weigh a bit more and take longer to dry since there is more material per square inch. These towels are great towels for the pools or if you have access to a drier between uses. These towels are going to be slightly more expensive than those made of 100% cotton but they won’t be as expensive as towels made of Egyptian cotton.
Now that you know what type of material you are looking for you are now ready to go see the other two things you need to consider before buying a beach towel or go start picking out the right beach towels for you.
Choosing the Best Bath Towel
Bath towels are more then just an items used for drying off our hands and body. Choosing the right towel can make an ordinary shower feel like you spent the day at the spa when you wrap yourself up in a nice fluffy towel.
Egyptian cotton bath towels are also a way to add color and style to your bathroom décor. Color is a big factor when buying bath towels as color brightens up and makes your bathroom coordinated and relaxing.
Color is important to think about in selecting your towels. There are other important things to consider also.
Quality - The first thing to look for in a bath towel. Look for a towel that is durable, long lasting wash after wash.
Material -Bath towels are made with different kinds of materials like cotton, Turkish cotton, micro yarns, terry cotton and Egyptian cotton. These materials have there own special qualities that make them unique. Egyptian cotton is a strong durable material and is extra soft. Micro yarn is absorbent and dries quickly.
Texture-Your new towel you’ll want is to feel soft and comfortable when you wrap yourself up after your bath. Having this comes from choosing the right texture.
Size- There are a variety of sizes when it comes to bath towel. Take time to check the measurements so you get the right size that suits you and your family.
Price-This last one the price is important when buying a bath towels. Buying a good quality towel may cost a little more but it will last a lot longer then buying cheap. The cheaper towels will wear our in half the time.
Fresh clean bath towels hanging in your bathroom will give you a great feeling after you choose the right ones for you and your family. They will add to the décor of your bathroom too.
Brighten Your Bathroom Décor with Bath Towels
When it comes to picking out bathroom towels to most people it is not an activity we give much thought too. When picking out towels for your personal bathroom or guest room we tend to take the easy way buying neutral colors like white or beige, how boring. If you are like a lot of us we enjoy going to hotels having fresh luxurious towels when we get out of the shower. When we visit other people’s homes we look at their marvelous choice of hand towels. Just a small touch can say a lot about your style.
Many people are not good at matching colors. Look at your colors in the bathroom and use a paint wheel to see what matches with your colors and buy towels in that color.
We have our color so let’s see what we can afford in the bathroom linen budget.
Egyptian cotton towels are the best bathroom towels. Egyptian cotton has long fibers and is extra strong. When spun into terry cloth this is what makes’s these towels soft, absorbent and durable.
Prima cotton is another well regarded towel material, with long staple fiber like Egyptian cotton. It doesn’t have as popular name like Egyptian cotton so it’s less expensive, still a very good towel.
Advancements in textile technology, micro cotton is gaining fans as an affordable option. If your budget is tight, there’s nothing wrong with the standard cotton towel. They have many colors to choose from too. There not as fluffy or soft but they do the job to dry you off.
Buying bathroom towels give you many options. Towel’s primary function is for drying, so have fun incorporating your towels into your decorating ideas to brighten up your bathroom.
Robes and Relaxation Go Hand-in-Hand
Robes have long been a symbol of leisure, relaxation and royalty. Emperors and kings from Justin I of Constantinople to Napoleon wore robes as they ruled over their subjects. On a less extravagant level, bath robes are often worn shortly after an invigorating bathing experience. Egyptian cotton bath robes are made of soft, absorbent material that pampers the skin even as it dries.
Some distinguished gentlemen of modern times have taken the robe in an entirely new direction. The smoking jacket, made famous by Hugh Hefner back in the ’60s, is perhaps the most surefire sign of a carefree lifestyle. Robes are made for lounging around the house, sipping expensive beverages, listening to jazz music and other low-impact recreational endeavors.