CARE GUIDE for Nódoa Design Textiles

Our towels are made from 100% cotton and printed with reactive dyes, which form strong chemical bonds with the fiber to deliver excellent absorbency, a soft handle and high color fastness to washing. As a natural cellulose fiber, cotton is prized for its superior absorbency, breathability, thermal comfort and durability in daily kitchen and table use. These towels can be cared for much like any quality cotton kitchen textile, with just a few smart habits to keep the bold prints looking crisp over time.​

Washing & routine care

• Wash new towels separately for the first 3–5 washes to minimize any initial dye transfer from the intense colors.​

• Use a warm cycle around 40°C (up to 60°C if needed) to remove oils and food residues while protecting fibers and print vibrancy.​

• Choose a neutral or non-bio detergent and avoid chlorine bleach or detergents with optical brighteners, which can prematurely fade colored prints.​

• Limit fabric softener, as it can coat the fibers and reduce absorbency; if used at all, keep the dose minimal.​

• Air drying is ideal; line drying in moderate sun helps freshen, mildly disinfect and naturally brighten cotton without excessive thermal stress.​

Targeted stain treatment

• Red wine: Blot (do not rub), rinse promptly with cold water, then treat with salt or a diluted white vinegar solution before laundering.​

• Grease and oils: Apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid directly to the stain, gently work it in, let it sit briefly, then wash on a warm cycle.​

• Fruit, tea and coffee: Use a baking-soda-and-water paste or a mild 1:1 water–white vinegar solution as a pre-treatment, then launder according to the care label.​​

If nothing works our aunt had one really good trick for stains:

• “corar ao sol” – letting the fabric sun-bathe with soap.

  • wet the stained area, rub in soap or dish soap,

  • leave the piece out in direct sunlight while it stayed slightly damp, so the mix of soap, water and UV light slowly faded the mark in a natural way.

  • After a couple of hours, wash it as usual in the machine

The sun acted like a mild, old-school bleach that works especially well on white or light cotton.​​​