How to Fold Bath Towels: 8 Easy Methods

What You’ll Need

Clean, dry bath towels (any size)
A flat, clean surface (table, counter, or bed)
Optional: a shelf or storage bin to organize folded towels

Step-by-Step

Lay the towel flat. Spread the towel on your surface with the right side (the side with the looped terry cloth) facing up. Smooth out wrinkles with your hands.
Fold in half lengthwise. Bring the left edge over to the right edge, matching the corners exactly. Run your hands along the fold to flatten it. This creates a long, narrow rectangle.
Fold in half again. Take the bottom edge and bring it up to meet the top edge. Now you have a smaller rectangle, roughly the size of a standard hand towel.
Fold into thirds (optional). If you prefer a more compact square, fold the bottom third up and the top third down, overlapping them slightly. This method is great for stacking.
Smooth and shape. After each fold, press down firmly to remove air and create crisp edges. This helps the towel stay folded and look uniform.
Repeat for consistency. Fold all your towels the same way so they stack neatly and look uniform on the shelf.
Store upright or flat. Place folded towels on a shelf either flat (stacked) or upright (like files in a drawer). Upright storage lets you grab one without disturbing the others.
Adjust for towel size. For oversized bath sheets, fold into thirds lengthwise before folding in half. For smaller hand towels, skip the second lengthwise fold.

Common Mistakes

Folding damp towels. Always fold completely dry towels. Damp towels can develop mildew and odors.
Ignoring wrinkles. Skipping the smoothing step leads to lumpy, uneven folds that don’t stack well.
Folding too thick. Over-folding creates bulky stacks that topple over. Stop when the towel is a manageable size.
Not matching corners. Misaligned edges make the fold look messy and can cause the towel to unfold easily.

Tips

Use a folding board (or a piece of cardboard) to get perfectly uniform folds every time.
Fold towels immediately after they dry to minimize wrinkles.
For a spa-like look, fold the towel in half lengthwise, then roll it tightly instead of folding. This saves even more space.
Store towels by size and color to make finding the right one easy.
If you have limited shelf space, fold towels in half lengthwise, then roll them tightly. Rolling saves up to 30% more space than folding.

Troubleshooting

Towels won’t stay folded. The towel may be too large or too thick. Try folding into thirds instead of halves, or roll it tightly. Also ensure the towel is completely dry—moisture makes fabric springy.
Folds look uneven. Take the towel back and re-fold, making sure to align the edges exactly before pressing down. Use a flat surface and smooth out wrinkles first.
Stacks keep falling over. Your stacks may be too high. Limit stacks to 5–6 towels, or switch to upright storage in a bin or drawer.
Towels have a musty smell after folding. This usually means they were folded while slightly damp. Unfold, re-wash with a cup of white vinegar (no detergent), and dry thoroughly before folding again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I fold towels in half or thirds?

Both are fine. Halves create a larger, flatter rectangle; thirds create a more compact square. Choose based on your shelf size and preference.

How do I fold towels to save the most space?

Roll them tightly instead of folding. Lay the towel flat, fold in half lengthwise, then roll from one end. This creates compact cylinders that fit neatly in baskets or drawers.

Is it better to store towels rolled or folded?

Rolled towels take up less space and are easier to grab individually. Folded towels stack neatly and look uniform. It’s a matter of personal preference and storage space.

Why do my towels have crease marks after folding?

Creases are normal and will relax after use. To minimize them, fold towels when they are slightly warm from the dryer, or use a fabric softener in the wash.

How often should I fold my towels?

Fold them as soon as they are dry. Leaving them in the dryer or a pile can cause wrinkles and musty odors.

Can I fold towels with decorative edges?

Yes, just make sure the decorative edge is visible on the outside of the fold. For example, fold the towel in half lengthwise so the border runs along the top edge.

Sources: The Laundry Association. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.