rätik

Rätik is the Estonian word for a towel, a piece of fabric used for drying the body, hair, or objects after washing. Rätikud are commonly found in homes, hotels, gyms, and other facilities, and are designed to absorb moisture and dry relatively quickly. They come in a range of sizes and weights to suit different uses, from small hand towels to larger bath and beach towels.

Materials and varieties: Cotton and cotton blends are the most common materials, with terry cloth providing high absorbency. Microfiber and bamboo blends are also used for lighter or faster-drying options. Typical sizes include hand towels around 30–50 cm by 50–70 cm, bath towels about 70–100 cm by 120–150 cm, and larger towels intended for beach or spa use.

Care and maintenance: To maintain absorbency and longevity, towels should be washed separately from other fabrics with a mild detergent, often at 60°C for cotton varieties. Fabric softeners can reduce absorbency over time, so they are usually discouraged. Towels should be thoroughly dried after washing, either in a low-heat tumble dryer or by line-drying. Sun exposure can help refresh white or light-colored cotton towels, but prolonged exposure may weaken fibers.

See also: towel.