Luxury linens and towels are an essential part of any superyacht’s interior, contributing to both comfort and aesthetics on board. With the right care, these fabrics can maintain their softness, freshness, and quality for years, even in the challenging marine environment.
Below, we share expert guidance on how to wash, dry, and store your yacht linens and towels to keep them in pristine condition.
Caring for Crew Linens
Proper cleaning and storage will prolong the life of your linens and ensure they retain their high standard. When you first receive your order, always wash the linens before use to allow for natural cotton shrinkage. Manufacturers often account for this so that after the first few washes, the fit is perfect.
Easy-Care Yacht Linens
Cotton satin finishes are popular on board as they are easier to iron than percale fabrics. Some yachts also opt for a washed-linen effect, which requires minimal ironing while maintaining a relaxed, elegant look.
Washing Superyacht Linens
Machine wash linens in warm (not hot) water on a gentle cycle, using a mild detergent. Avoid chlorine bleach, optical brighteners, and harsh stain removers. Pour detergent only once the water has filled or dilute it before adding.
Tumble Drying Yacht Linens
Use the lowest heat setting and remove linens while still slightly damp to prevent brittleness. Over-drying can cause fibres to weaken and lose their soft texture.
Fabric Conditioner for Superyacht Linens
Skip commercial softeners. They coat the fibres rather than soften them. Instead, add one cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to remove soap residue and keep fabrics fresh.
Stain Removal Tips for Yacht Linens
Wine: Immediately splash seltzer water on the spot and blot with a dry towel.
Food: After meals, treat stains with diluted mild detergent and soak overnight in warm water before washing. For stubborn marks, extend the soak for another 24 hours using enzyme-based stain removers.
Wax: Once hardened, scrape off excess wax. Place a brown paper bag over the residue and iron gently, moving the bag frequently until the wax is absorbed. Then spot-clean the area and wash as above.
Beach Towel Care
Designed to withstand saltwater and sunlight, marine-grade beach towels can remain vibrant and soft with proper care.
Wash carefully: Follow label instructions and use a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid softeners that reduce absorbency.
Rotate frequently: Don’t leave towels exposed on deck for long periods; rotate them and wash weekly to prevent fading from salt and UV rays.
Shake out sand: Remove sand before washing to avoid fibre damage.
Store properly: Ensure towels are completely dry before storing them in a cool, ventilated space to prevent mildew and odours.
Bath and Deck Towels
Frequent laundering and exposure to the marine environment mean yacht towels need a little extra care.
Wash in cold to warm water using half the usual detergent amount.
Tumble dry on low heat and remove before fully dry.
Always wash towels separately from other textiles to prevent snags.
Use organic wool dryer balls to naturally soften and speed up drying time.
Fold and store towels away from light and moisture, and snip loose threads to prevent further pulls.
Wash deck towels weekly, even if unused, to remove salt build-up that causes fading.
Avoid damage to superyacht towels
Detergents with brighteners, bleach alternatives, or softeners.
Bleach, dry cleaning, and ironing.
Leaving wet towels piled up, as this encourages bacteria and mildew.
Prolonged exposure to sun and salt air.
Contact with products containing acids, hair dye, or whitening agents, which can bleach fabrics.
Reviving and Restoring Bath Towels
Over time, even high-quality towels can lose their plushness due to mineral build-up. You can restore softness and absorbency with this simple, detergent-free routine:
Wash towels in warm water with one cup of white vinegar (no detergent).
Rewash with half a cup of baking soda only.
Dry according to care instructions — skip softener sheets.
Repeat occasionally for fresh, fluffy towels that look and feel like new.
Keeping your Yacht Linens at their best
Luxury linens and towels are an investment in guest comfort and on-board presentation. With these professional care tips, you can protect that investment, keeping every fabric on board soft, fresh, and ready for another charter season.
Check out the full blog on Yachting Pages.
