Frequently Asked Questions

How do I wash my PackTowl® towel?

We recommend that you wash your PackTowl before first use. All PackTowl towels are machine washable. Wash in cold water with like colors. Do not use bleach or iron. Do not use fabric softener. Air dry or tumble dry on low. Dry thoroughly before storing for long periods of time.

Why do I need to wash my PackTowl towel before first use?

Due to manufacturing processes, materials, and dyes used, it is possible that a small amount of dye might bleed from a PackTowl towel. This is why we recommend that you wash your PackTowl towel with like colors before first using it.

My PackTowl Original towel shrank slightly when I first washed it. Is it defective?

Your Original towel is not defective. Because we use viscose fabric in our Original towels, it is natural that they will shrink slightly in the first wash. Washing the PackTowl Original will improve its water absorbency and softness.

How do I compost my PackTowl Original towel?

A PackTowl Original towel can be composted, though because the fabric requires specific conditions to decompose as part of a composting process, we recommend composting it with an industrial composting service (note: the hang loop and snap are not compostable—remove before composting; do not attempt to compost an Original towel in a back yard compost).

What does “odor control” mean?

With our Personal and Luxe towels, we use Polygiene® odor control treatment to combat the development of odors caused by microbes such as bacteria, fungus, and mildew. Polygiene is based on silver salt (silver chloride) produced from recycled silver, and has a low environmental impact in comparison to other odor-controlling treatments. Because the treatment is integrated into the fabric, it won’t wash out. More information about Polygiene can be found on their website.

What is microfiber fabric?

Microfiber fabric is made from a very fine synthetic yarn (smaller than the diameter of a strand of silk). Instead of having the typical round shape of natural fibers, these very fine synthetic yarns are shaped to have more overall surface area than round natural fibers, which increases their ability to attract and retain water molecules—this is what allows microfiber fabric to “absorb” moisture much more effectively than cotton, as well as dry quicker. It also helps make it very soft.