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How to Clean and Maintain Your Sun Bum Sonny Beach Towel for Long-Lasting Use

How to Clean and Maintain Your Sun Bum Sonny Beach Towel for Long-Lasting Use

By Official Sun Bum® Website - Shop Sun Bum® Products Online | Published: 2026-07-26

Category: Tips & Care

Keep your Sun Bum Sonny beach towel vibrant and fluffy with these simple washing and drying tips. Extend its life with proper care.

Your Sun Bum Sonny beach towel is more than just a towel—it's a beach day essential that adds fun and function to every outing. Whether you're lounging by the waves or drying off after a swim, proper care keeps it looking bright and feeling soft season after season.

Beach towels take a beating from sand, saltwater, sunscreen, and frequent washing. Without the right routine, colors fade and fibers roughen. Fortunately, a few simple steps can preserve your towel's quality and extend its life.

Pre-Wash Tips: Shake Off Sand and Treat Stains

Before tossing your Sun Bum Sonny beach towel into the wash, shake it out vigorously outdoors to remove loose sand and grit. Sand left in the machine can scratch fibers and cause wear over time. For stubborn sand pockets, gently brush the towel with your hand or a soft brush.

If your towel has sunscreen or food stains, treat them promptly. Dab a small amount of mild detergent directly on the stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before washing. Avoid bleach or harsh stain removers, as they can damage the towel's colors and fabric.

  • Shake towel outside before washing to remove sand.
  • Pre-treat stains with mild detergent; avoid bleach.

Washing Your Beach Towel: Best Practices

Machine wash your Sun Bum Sonny beach towel in cold water on a gentle cycle. Hot water can cause colors to bleed and fade, while high agitation can fray edges and weaken fibers. Use a mild, color-safe laundry detergent—skip fabric softeners, which coat the fibers and reduce absorbency.

Turn the towel inside out before washing to protect the printed design. Wash similar colors together to prevent dye transfer. For an extra boost of freshness, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle; it naturally removes detergent residue and odors without harming the fabric.

  • Cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent.
  • No fabric softener—it reduces absorbency.
  • Add white vinegar to rinse cycle for freshness.

Drying and Storage: Keep It Fluffy and Fade-Free

The best way to dry your Sun Bum Sonny beach towel is on a low heat setting in the dryer or by air drying in the shade. High heat can shrink the fabric and cause fading. If using a dryer, toss in a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to fluff the fibers and reduce drying time.

Avoid direct sunlight when line drying, as UV rays can fade the vibrant colors over time. Once dry, fold the towel loosely and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it damp, which can lead to mildew and unpleasant smells.

  • Dry on low heat or air dry in shade.
  • Use dryer balls to maintain fluffiness.
  • Store completely dry in a cool, dry area.

Additional Care Tips for Long-Lasting Use

To keep your beach towel looking its best, wash it after every few uses—especially if it's been exposed to saltwater or sunscreen. Salt crystals can weaken fibers if left to dry, and sunscreen oils can attract dirt and cause discoloration. Regular washing prevents buildup.

If your towel starts to feel rough, add a half cup of baking soda to the wash cycle once a month to naturally soften the fibers. And remember: your Sun Bum Sonny towel pairs perfectly with other beach day essentials like the Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Spray and the Signature SPF 30 Mineral Face Stick for complete sun protection.

Signature SPF 30 Mineral Face Stick
Signature SPF 30 Mineral Face Stick
  • Wash after every few uses to remove salt and oils.
  • Use baking soda monthly to soften fibers.

With a little attention and the right washing routine, your Sun Bum Sonny beach towel can stay vibrant, soft, and ready for countless beach days. Follow these tips to protect your investment and enjoy that fresh-towel feeling all summer long.

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