Reasons to Avoid Rubber Backed Bath Mats

 Bath Mats  No Responses »
May 082013
 

matsThere’s nothing quite as nice for any bathroom as a quality bath mat. High quality mats come in bamboo, Egyptian cotton, supima, organic and more. But one thing that you’ll find with all the good bath mats is a lack of a rubber backing. It’s a sure sign of quality, because there are a number of problems associated with mats that have rubber backs. What are reasons to avoid rubber backed bathroom mats?

Mats with rubber backings can’t go in the dryer

If you like to throw your bathroom mat in the dryer, chances are you’re ignoring the fact that its rubber backing will eventually deteriorate. You’re probably telling yourself,”I didn’t pay that much for this mat. So it doesn’t matter.”

Change your attitude and invest in a quality bath mat. Purchase one that can be washed and dried with ease. If it looks flat after cleaning, give your bath mat a vigorous shake.

The rubber backing of a bath mat gets moldy over time

Even if you’ve never put your bath mat with a rubber backing in the dryer, you’ve got another problem. Rubber backings get moldy over time. You’re not going to want a mat with a moldy backing. So you’ll throw it out and get a new one. Buy a superior mat instead, and get rid of the mold problem forever.

A rubber backing can discolor your bathroom floor

Your bathroom floors are important. So why buy a bathroom mat that could stain it? A good reason to avoid rubber backed bath mats is because they can discolor your bathroom floor.

Dirt is hard to get out of the rubber of a bath mat

You’ve got small kids, a cat or a dog. Accidents happen, and when urine comes in contact with the rubber backing of a bath mat, you’re headed for trouble. You can try getting rid of the odor with vinegar and water or water and ammonia, but why not just buy a decent bath mat with no rubber backing so that you can wash urine out easily?

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Bursa: Home of Towels

 Towels  No Responses »
Apr 292013
 

Mudanya_13Legend has it that towels were invented in the Turkish city of Bursa, and, although this may or may not be true, beautiful Bursa is most certainly worth a visit.

Bursa – the jewel of Northwestern Turkey – is home to just under two million people, and, every year, more and more tourists are discovering this city’s fascinating mix of history and natural wonders. From bubbling hot springs to marvelously informational museums and from vibrant shopping centers to magnificent marble palaces, Bursa has it all, and there can be nothing better than lounging around on soft and fluffy monogrammed towels at the gorgeously appointed Celik Palas thermal bath.

Towels and other bathroom accessories – including bath mats and bathrobes – have many uses in today’s society, and, for instance, there’s most definitely no shortage of bath mat-like prayer rugs to be seen in Bursa’s main attraction: the Ulu Camii mosque. Also known as the Bursa Grand Mosque, Ulu Camii is a brilliant example of early Ottoman architecture and sports twin minarets as well as no less than 20 decorated domes. The mosque is, however, best known for housing the largest collection of incidental Islamic calligraphy in the world, and every tourist who visits this divine building simply has no choice but to gape at the wonderful writings on its walls.

Bursa is also located close to several of the nicest beaches found on Turkey’s northwestern coast, including Kursunlu, Armutlu and magnificent Mudanya, which lies on the Marmara Sea’s stunning Gulf of Gemlik. Robes and swimsuits are the costume de rigueur for all Bursa beaches, and the town’s proximity to so many attractive bathing venues – and the resulting need for so many people to get dry – could possibly just have something to do with why the town is credited for inventing towels.

Turkey is known for many things – including tasty Turkish Delight and steamy Turkish baths – but towels are generally not the first things that spring to mind when the prospective tourist thinks about visiting this fascinating country. Given Bursa’s unique history, however, perhaps they should be.

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Terrific Terrycloth

 Bathroom  No Responses »
Apr 262013
 

towelsThe majority of today’s towels and robes, and even most bath mats, are made out of Terrycloth, a little known but very common type of fabric that pops up in the most interesting of places.

What ties the sport of cricket, squalling babies, bath time, clothing items and bed-linen together? If you answered “Terrycloth” – or Terry toweling as it is also known – you would be correct. Due to the very specific way that Terry cloth is manufactured, it has an extremely high absorbency rate, which makes it ideal to use in any situation where cloth is needed to soak up large amounts of liquid. Terry also turns up in the unlikeliest of places, and can be found making up wristbands, diapers, sheets, hats, bathrobes, and, of course, towels.

Terry cloth is so special because, while one side of the fabric is straight, the other side is woven in such a way that long loops are formed from each individual strand of cotton. The general terry rule is the longer the loop, the more absorbent the fabric will be, and this is because a longer loop means there is more open fabric area to absorb liquid. Terry cloth is usually manufactured completely out of cotton, but there are instances where lycra and polyester are also thrown into the mix. The manufacturing process, which is, furthermore, extremely complex, involves the fabric being woven on special looms sporting two longitudinal warp beams, and the weaving technique that produces terry cloth is known as “warp knitting”.

Although extremely popular, terrycloth isn’t the only fabric that towels – even monogrammed towels – are made of, and, these days, these bathroom necessities are also made of synthetic microfiber and waffle fabric. Nothing beats the warmth, comfort and absorbency of terry cloth, however, and it’s no wonder that bath robes, bath towels, hand towels and bath mats are almost exclusively made out of this versatile fabric.

Terrycloth may not be named after anyone – the name most likely comes from the French work “terir” meaning to pull through – but almost everyone knows its name.

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Top 6 Tips for Improving a Bathroom on a Budget

 Bathroom  No Responses »
Apr 182013
 

bath towels

These days, remodeling a bathroom can cost many thousands of dollars. With the economy still rather fragile, some people are simply unable to afford such a luxury. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Here are six tips for improving a bathroom on a budget.

Wallpaper

Remove the old wallpaper by renting a steamer. Then paint the walls with a color that matches your towels.

Bathroom

Go to one of the popular DIY centers and replace your old toilet with a new one. Check the sales papers beforehand for discounts. You’re sure to find a toilet for sale at an affordable price.

Vanity

After you’ve replaced your toilet, do the same thing with your old vanity. Again, check the sales papers and visit one of the popular DIY centers. There are always lots of vanity options to choose from.

Old towels

Invest in a good set of towels. These will cost you more than cheap alternatives. However, the cost will be worth it in the long run. So throw out those old ones and consider Egyptian, Supima, Bamboo or other quality types. The best place to find them is online for the largest selection.

Grungy bathtub

This doesn’t mean replacing the bathtub, because to do so would cost big money. Instead, give your bathtub a good cleaning. You’ll be surprised at how much you like your bathtub once you clean it out.

Old shower curtain or shower door

Replace your old shower curtain with a new one that matches your towels. Or replace your old shower door with a new shower door.

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Supima Towels

 Towels  No Responses »
Mar 152012
 

SupimaTowels

You’ve heard of Egyptian cotton or Turkish cotton, but how about Supima. If you’re a lover of good quality cotton, Supima cotton products are products you should check out.

Supima is actually a licensed trademark owned by Supima. It is an abbreviation for Superior Pima. It is products made of 100 percent American Pima cotton.

Supima cotton has extra-long staple or ELS and it’s grown in the Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas as well as in other locations such as Australia. In the United States, if the cotton is at least an inch and 3/8 or longer, it’s ELS or American Pima.

Good quality cotton lasts longer after washing, gets softer with increased use and feels great against the skin. It also is void of harmful chemicals. So it is good for the skin. To buy Supima towels, all you have to do is look for 100% American Superior Pima Cotton. Look for it in stores, but one of the best places to find it are high quality towel sites.

Also, look for towel sets, such as 3-piece towel sets that include one bath, one hand, and one washcloth. Consider monogramming and also be sure to coordinate the color of your towels with the look of your bathroom.

 

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Kids Robes Help to Prevent Children’s Exposure to the Sun

 Bathrobes  No Responses »
Mar 022012
 

Kids Robe

As you age, you probably worry about the health of your skin. But what about your kids? Caring for the skin should begin at a young age, and that includes worrying about the sun. Yes, the sun is a beautiful thing, but it’s one of the main causes of skin damage, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

One of the best ways to teach your kids a valuable lesson is to lead by example. What are some things you can do to show your kids how to protect their skin from painful sunburns?

Sunscreen

A sunscreen with an SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, of at least 30 is important. Sunscreen filters the sun’s harmful rays, causing less of it to injure the skin.

Teach your kids how to apply it, and do it at least 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure. Teach them the importance of reapplying often, about every two hours, and especially after a dip in the water. Help them to apply the sunscreen in areas of the body that are difficult to reach, and make sure they don’t forget places like the tips of the ears and the back of the neck.

Some kid sunscreens are scented. Let your child pick one out! Also, sunscreen sticks are fun for them to use as well.

Hats

Hats are always a smart buy for protecting the skin from the sun. A colorful, fun hat will be loved and desired by your child. Let your child choose the hat, but look for a hat with a brim all around to protect not only the scalp, but the ears, forehead, eyes and nose. Some hats have added fabric to protect the neck.

Kids Robes

When your child is done swimming in a pool, lake or ocean, give them a kids robe to wear. A comfy hooded kids robe, such as one made of velour out of 100% Turkish cotton, is a fun way to protect your child from the sun’s rays.

As you can tell, showing your kids that sun protection is important will teach them to protect their skin when they are older. Allow them to have fun under the sun, but be sure to keep them safe.

 

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Towelcraft: They Aren’t Just For Bathing Anymore!

 Towels  No Responses »
Feb 212012
 

towel animal

When most people hear the word “towels”, they bring to mind the soft rectangular squares of fabric used for drying off after a bath or shower. For those with creative minds, however, bath towels and hand towels can provide a rich crafting ground for fun and gift-worthy projects. As an added bonus, most towel craft projects can be unwound or unwoven to serve their more familiar purpose after the owner is done displaying them.

Towel Origami

An art form that’s gained popularity on cruise ships worldwide, delighted patrons have embraced this unusual craft on dry land as well. In addition to photo-filled books for sale that instruct novices how to make swans, turtles and more out of their towels, video sharing social sites also offer free videos for the curious. Towel origami is a great way for those interested in the traditional paper style of origami to get some experience without risking papercuts.

Boo Boo Bunnies

This super-easy craft project only requires a washcloth, rubber band, and some adhesive details like googly eyes and a pom pom. Simply roll the washcloth into a long tube, curve into a U, fold the U in half lengthwise and secure at this second fold with the rubber band. The result will be a small O shape at the bottom, a head-like bump at the front, and two tails that resemble ears above the head. Glue the eyes and nose at the appropriate places and you have a boo boo bunny! If a child is injured, an ice cube can be placed in the center of the O to enable easy handling and application to the injured area.

Bleach Art

This project works best with darker colored towels or mats and a large stencil of your desired shape. Using a clean, dry towel, place flat on an area that won’t be affected by discoloring, such as a driveway or front lawn. Fill a cheap spray bottle with laundry bleach (be sure to mark the bottle as poison for safety’s sake). Placing the stencil on the towel or mat and either securing with painter’s tape or a gloved hand, gently spray the bleach at the void area from a distance of about a foot. This will discolor the towel into a lighter hue in the shape of the stencil. For added style, spray around the edges of the stencil to make a unique frame effect. Let the towel dry completely, then wash alone to “set” the design.

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Monogramming: The Modern Calligraphy

 News  No Responses »
Feb 022012
 

Monogram

Calligraphy – sometimes called the art of fancy lettering – might, given the advent of the digital age, not be as popular as it once was, but it’s making something of a comeback disguised as the art of monogramming.

Styles of calligraphy are usually categorized in terms of factors like the language the work is written in and the country that language originated in, and, as such, styles like Tibetan calligraphy, which used to be practiced by the High Lamas, and Islamic calligraphy, which is written in Arabic, are common. The art of monogramming, on the other hand, involves embroidering the owner’s initials on articles of clothing like bathrobes or towels, and, therefore, doesn’t involve using any one particular language.

While those who indulge in the art of calligraphy use specialized pens to write on paper, parchment or similar surfaces, those who are in the business of creating monogrammed towels, robes and other such items will embroider the owner’s initials directly onto the fabric. Similarly, while most calligraphists will use black ink – although the use of colored ink is not unknown – monograms can be embroidered in a variety of different colors, including such exotic hues as papaya, espresso and cranberry.

One aspect common to both calligraphy and monogramming is the use of different fonts, and, in calligraphy, this would especially apply to documents written in English. A font can best be described as a style of lettering, and common fonts would include Ariel, Calibri and Times New Roman. Those buying new towels or bathrobes can often choose the type of font they would like their initials embroidered in, and these fonts can range from those utilizing simple, utilitarian styles to those that exhibit greater flourish and are, perhaps, more aesthetically pleasing. Another curious fact that’s relevant only to the art of monogramming is that the middle initial is always slightly larger than the other two.

Fine works of calligraphy are always treasured, and, in the same way, monogrammed bathrobes, towels and even bath mats are always thought of as just a little bit classier than items without monograms.

 

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Owner of a New Home? Start with Quality Towel Sets

 Towels  No Responses »
Jan 202012
 

Quality Towel Sets

You’re the owner of a new home. You’ve worked hard and saved to buy your American dream, and now all that working and saving has paid off. Congratulations!

However, you know that owning a new house is just the beginning. Now it’s time for the fun part – furnishing and decorating.

Let’s take a look at the bathroom. One of the things you’ll need are towels. Everyone uses them: to dry off the body, to dry hair or to dry hands after washing. But what is the best way to buy towels?

Consider quality 3-piece towel sets. They are a good way to make sure you have all the towels you’ll need for your new bathroom. A 3-piece towel set includes a washcloth, a hand towel and a bath towel.

Where should I buy 3-piece towel sets?

Look online. You will find that purchasing 3-piece towel sets online will give you the widest selection at the best prices. Some sites even offer free shipping when your order totals a specified amount.

How many 3-piece towel sets do I need?

Look at your household count. Are you moving into the house alone? One 3-piece towel set is fine. However, if you’d like to have two sets, consider buying a 6-piece towel set. That way, while one washcloth, hand towel and bath towel are in the laundry, you’ll have another set handy. If it’s you and a spouse in the new home, go for one or two 6-piece towel sets. Also, some towel sets include the bath mat. This is an excellent way to get a matching bath mat to go along with your towels. When the mat matches the towels, it gives your bathroom a put-together look.

How much should I spend on a 3-piece towel set?

Although funds may be tight now that you’ve spent it on a new home, skimping on bath towels is not always a smart idea. Sure you’ll spend less money initially, but cheap towels are less absorbent, are thin, are not as soft as quality towels, and they deteriorate faster. In the end, you’ll have to buy new towels faster than if you’d bought quality towels from the start.

Look for Egyptian or Supima towels for supreme softness. Other good towels to look for are Bamboo or Organic. These towels are eco-friendly, don’t contain lots of chemicals and are good for the body.

What color 3-piece towel sets should I choose?

What is the color scheme of your bathroom? To really pull the look together, choose towels to match the dominate color. Towels and bath mats that don’t match the color of the bathroom ruin the overall appearance of the room.

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The Lesson of the Towels

 Towels  No Responses »
Jan 062012
 

Towels

My favorite set of towels ever was the cheesy, thin, scratchy bath towels I bought when I was about thirteen years old. There was a reason for their popularity, though, as they had painted on them in cheap and gaudy colors pictures of my favorite superheroes.

I grew up a lonely child whose close friends included Wonder Woman, Spiderwoman and Super Girl. From them I learned truth, justice and, if not the American Way as I was living in Africa at the time, that it was better to align oneself with the light than the dark. The day the superhero carnival came to my tiny town, I saw through the illusion cast by the sweaty and uncomfortable actors in their ill-fitting costumes, but I was entranced by the memorabilia I could buy, and thus did the superhero-embossed the towels come into my life.

I’ve kept those towels for over thirty years now, and, each time I look at them, I’m instantly transported back to a time when everything was so much simpler because the world could be divided into solid colors and solid concepts: Black and white; good and bad. It isn’t, however, the towels themselves that are important – with their slightly out-of-proportion fantastical figures they actually seem rather ridiculous now – it’s the idea behind the towels. It’s the understanding that the towels are souvenirs of a time that no longer exists.

People tend to keep things that mean a lot to them for many years, and, those who are looking to give their loved ones gifts that last should learn The Lesson of the Towels. Towels – including monogrammed towels – are not the only gifts that can be given, however, and, if we continue the bathroom trend, bathrobes and bath mats should also feature on the gift menu. Robes would, in fact, be more personal gifts than towels, and, it also stands to reason that monogrammed robes top the list of desirable bathroom-wear.

The moral of the tale is fairly simple: Memories do last but they sometimes need a little help from something solid…like superhero towels.

 

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Bathrobes Are Never Boring

 Bathrobes  No Responses »
Nov 132011
 

bathrobes

It’s a little known, but interesting, fact that bathrobes are classified into different categories on the basis of factors like the type of neckline or collar they have, the type of fabric they’re made from, the type of weave displayed and the type of sculpture sewn onto the fabric.

If robes are categorized according to their collar type, then those with hooded collars, kimono-style collars and shawl collars would dominate the market. The hooded collar bathrobes are quite self-explanatory, and contemporary fashion is actually inundated with items of clothing of the “hoodie” variety. Kimono-style robes all, for all intents and purposes, collar-less, and, on the whole, this makes for an extremely comfortable robe with great flexibility of style. Last but not least are the robes with shawl collars, which are collars that are able to be drawn together around the wearer’s neck.

Bathrobes are made from only certain types of fabric – those with above average absorbency – and robes made out of wool, nylon and silk are common. A fairly new innovation in the world of bathrobes was the advent of synthetic microfiber, and more and more robes are now being manufactured from this material, which is both super-absorbent and super-lightweight. The way the fabric is woven is also extremely important, and, to date, four very specific bathrobe weave styles have developed: terry, waffle, velour and flannel. The major difference between these four weaves concerns whether or not the fabric has loops, and whether these loops are cut or uncut, and this would influence things like how heavy and absorbent the robes are.

Bathrobes are among the only items of clothing that have sculpture – “bas-relief” type fabric texturing – sewn onto the basic fabric. Fabric sculpture is also known as styling, and styling is added to a base fabric for a number of reasons including increasing the fabric’s water absorbency and adding weight to the garment, which is desirable as the heavier the robe, the better it will hang. There are many different sculpture patterns, with linear patterns like Window Pane, Zig-zag and Ribbed possibly being the most common, and buyers can choose whichever pattern they find most attractive.

There’s truly a lot more to the simple bathrobe than what meets the eye, and buyers are spoiled for choice when they are shopping for robes that promise quality, stylishness, absorbency and durability and yet won’t break the budget.

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The Long and the Short of Kids Robes

 Bathrobes  No Responses »
Oct 292011
 

Kids Bathrobes

As we all know, children get dirty – often – but this is a problem that is rather easy to solve and that usually involves dunking them in the bath at least once a day! After bath-time is over and done with would, however, be the ideal time to wrap junior and the little miss up in their very own snug kids’ bathrobes.

Possibly the most popular type of kids’ robes available today are the hooded terry velour robes, which are perfect for both boys and girls. These robes, which come in two colors – pink and white – will fit all children from the tiniest tyke of three to the eleven year old who has just had his latest growth spurt. This is not a “one size fits all” situation, though, and the small and medium robes (“S/M”) are specifically designed for the three through six age-group, while the large and extra-large (“L/XL”) ones are tailored for the seven through eleven year olds.

Hooded terry velour kids’ robes are known for being extra soft and extra absorbent – possibly because kids are usually extra active and extra dirty – and they are also known as being extremely comfortable to wear, not to mention extremely durable. Terry velour children’s robes are made from Turkish cotton of the highest quality, and, despite the fact that they are actually manufactured on sight in Turkish factories, they are incredibly reasonably priced, and buying one or two or more of these robes will never break – or even unduly strain – the budget.

Due to the growing popularity of monogrammed towels and monogrammed adults’ bath robes, parents should be happy to learn that they also now have the option to have monograms embroidered on their children’s bath robes. Monograms are available in a large selection of styles and colors – with the latter including such exotic hues as Bright Mint, Lake Blue, Lavender and Cranberry – and kids will love to see their initials appearing on their personalized bath robe in some bright and shiny color. Bath robe monogramming is usually also a service that is offered for free, which makes personalizing a robe or two all the more attractive.

Towels, bath mats and bath robes – for both adults and kids – are all must-have bathroom accessories, and buying them can be fun and exciting, especially when the price is just so right!

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Waffles with Cream

 Bathrobes  No Responses »
Oct 212011
 

waffle1

Waffles, the sweet and crispy dough-based snacks that are sold throughout the world, are known and loved by just about everyone. All waffles, whether from America, Belgium or Hong Kong, are made by frying dough in a patterned steel grid, and waffle bathrobes are so called due to their fabric’s resemblance to the waffle-grid shape.

It is, however, the fabric’s extremely unusual square-patterned weave that gives it it’s “waffle” label and that makes the robes so very soft yet durable as well as so comfortable yet highly absorbent. Kimono robes are, furthermore, usually double stitched to give them that extra bit of strength, while spa robes are ultra-lightweight and plain waffle robes are known for the speed at which they dry.

Waffles are versatile and can be enjoyed with cream, syrup, fruit, cheese, peanut butter or simply with dusted sugar. Waffle robes are similarly versatile and can be used at home, at the spa or at the gym, and, as they don’t take up a lot of space, they can easily be packed into a suitcase and taken on vacation. Waffle bathrobes also come in a variety of styles, colors and sizes, and, as with monogrammed towels, Waffle robe owners can have their initials embroidered on the latest addition to their bathwear wardrobe in a number of hues and alphabet and letter styles.

Consumers in the market for buying Waffle robes should, while they’re in the mood, also pick up some matching towels and maybe even some bath mats. All three styles of Waffle bathrobe are, furthermore, unisex, and they’re also all machine-washable. They can therefore be enjoyed by the whole family, and, with their discounted prices, free monogramming and free gift-wrapping, they also make first rate gifts.

Whether they’re served with bacon, kiwifruit, chicken, or good old maple syrup, waffles are loved by all, as are the plush and beautiful Waffle bath and spa robes.

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Immersed in Sensation: Bathtub Additions

 News  No Responses »
Oct 162011
 

Bathtub Addition Towels

The idea of soaking in a warm, relaxing bath is a thought that appeals to many. In addition to the benefit of solitude and quiet in a bathtub, the warm water stimulates the body’s blood flow, an effect that has the well-known result of reducing tensions both physical and mental. While bathers that are truly tired and stressed out find it easy to “check out” and relax, others may find a bath rather boring! The remedy? A selection of fun and interesting bathtub additions that can turn any relaxing soak into one that’s stimulating for all the senses.

Bath Bombs

Sometimes called fizzies, tablets, or bathballs, bath bombs are spheres of baking soda, colors, scented oils, flower petals, and other fun ingredients that fizz when added to the bathwater. The water and baking soda react to one another, providing a science-fair-like stream of bubbles that feel good on sore backs and feet. The oils and other additives float in the tub, coloring the water fun hues like blue or rose, and in some cases even shedding sparkling glitter along the way. Bath bomb addicts recommend sliding large bombs or ones with a lot of “confetti” into a knotted hosiery sock before tossing it in the bath, thereby keeping any stray pieces in an easy-to-toss container.

Bubble Bath

This familiar favorite of kids everywhere is one that moms and dads are calling their own these days. With the development of solid “bubble bars” that can be crumbled under running water, luxurious scents like chocolate, lavender and orange blossom are quickly gaining popularity over youthful “bubble gum” type scents. People of all ages love a big tub of bubbles, after all!

Bath Salts

As much a staple of the high-end bath experience as turkish bathrobes, bathers are enjoying this spa ritual at home on their own time. Made from actual salt crystals blended with essential oils and occasionally herbs, bath salts help open the pores for true relaxation. When using salts, be sure to put the crystals in while the bath is filling up, otherwise you may end up sitting on an uncomfortable patch of gravel.

Whether using one addition or several, these fun and enjoyable products can turn any regular bath into an experience you’ll be anxious to repeat. Happy bathing!

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