How Do Cooling Towels Work?
Our body generates intense heat and sweat whenever we engage in an intense activity, and cooling down is always important. The cooling towels are special towels that help cool your body quickly in times when you need to cool down the most.
They are extremely popular among athletes, outdoor workers, and anyone seeking to beat the heat. In this article, you’ll learn how cooling towels work, what they are made of, and how to use and take care of them.
What Is a Cooling Towel?
A cooling towel is a special towel that cools your body when it gets hot. Unlike a regular towel, which just dries things, a cooling towel stays cool for a long time. This towel is designed to cool you down using something called evaporative cooling.
Cooling towels are a popular accessory for individuals seeking to stay cool while exercising and embarking on outdoor adventures.
What Are Cooling Towels Made Of?
Cooling towels are made from special materials that help them cool you down. These materials are chosen because they can hold a lot of water and also help with evaporation. Here are some of the materials cooling towels are made from:
- Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
This is a super-absorbent material that can hold a lot of water, much more than regular towels. It helps keep the towel cool for a long time. But it needs proper care because it can get hard if you don’t take care of it. - Microfiber Blends
The microfiber towels are made from a mix of polyester and nylon fibers. These towels are breathable and dry really fast. They’re good for keeping you cool and are lightweight. - Mesh Fabrics
Towels with mesh materials have small holes in them (like a net). This helps air flow through the towel, making it even cooler. Mesh towels work great when it’s really hot outside because the air helps cool the towel faster.
How Does a Cooling Towel Work?
Cooling towels use a simple process called evaporative cooling. Here’s how it works:
- Water Absorption: First, the towel soaks up water. It holds much more water than a normal towel and stays light, so it doesn’t feel heavy on your neck or face.
- Evaporation Process: As the water starts to evaporate (turn from liquid to gas), it pulls heat away from your skin. This cooling effect makes you feel much cooler.
- Temperature Regulation: The towel’s special fabric slows down the evaporation process, so it doesn’t dry out too quickly. This means it can cool you for a longer time.
- Reactivation: If the towel starts to warm up, you can simply “re-wet” it with cold water and snap it in the air to start the cooling process again.
How to Use Cooling Towels
Using a cooling towel is really easy:
- Wet the towel with cold water.
- You can then wring it out to remove any extra water.
- Then snap the towel in the air a couple of times to start the cooling process.
- Lastly, you apply the towel to your neck, head, or any part of your body that needs cooling.
For a more detailed guide, check out our full tutorial on how to use a cooling towel.
How Long Do Cooling Towels Last?
Cooling towels usually stay cool for hours, between 2 to 4 hours. But, this can change based on the weather:
- In humid conditions, Evaporation is slower, so the towel stays cool for a longer time.
- In dry heat, the towel might dry out quicker, and you may need to re-wet it more often.
With proper care, cooling towels can last for many years and can be used hundreds of times. Just remember to follow the washing and storage instructions to keep them working well.
Are Cooling Towels Dangerous?
Cooling towels are generally safe to use because they only use water and evaporation to cool you down. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Sensitive Skin: Make sure the towel is clean before using it to avoid skin irritation.
- Circulation Issues: If you have skin problems or poor circulation, you should check your skin after using the towel to make sure it feels okay.
Girl using a cooling towel outdoors
Yes, cooling towels need to be washed regularly to keep them clean and working properly. Here’s how to wash them:
- Using a washing machine,
- Use mild detergent and cold or lukewarm water.
- Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, because they can ruin the towel’s cooling power.
- Air-dry the towel to keep it in good shape. Don’t use high heat, as that can damage the fabric.
- Always dry the towel completely before storing it, so it doesn’t get moldy.
Can You Freeze a Cooling Towel?
Technically, you can freeze a cooling towel, but it’s not recommended. Freezing the towel can damage the fabric and reduce its effectiveness over time. Instead, just use cold water to activate the towel and get the cooling effect you need. It’s much better for the towel and works just as well.
Where Can I Buy Cooling Towels?
You can buy high-quality cooling towels from FastPrintStar. We offer custom cooling towels that are perfect for businesses, sports teams, and events. You can even add your logo or design to the towels! You can check out our custom cooling towels, perfect for gyms, sports teams, outdoor events, corporate wellness programs, and more!
FastPrintStar offers durable and long-lasting custom towels with great customization options, perfect for any situation where you need to stay cool. Whether you need golf towels or sports towels, we’ve got you.
Conclusion
Cooling towels are a simple and effective way to stay cool during hot weather. Understanding how they work and how to take care of them will ensure they last for years. Whether you’re playing sports, working outdoors, or just trying to beat the heat, a cooling towel can help you stay comfortable and cool.
