Everyone has their own methods for doing , and for many, that includes clever ways to get extra clean and Experts at The Laundress recommend on "a hot, long wash cycle to deep clean and remove residue from body oils, makeup, and skincare products". This usually means washing at 40C to 60C.

But it's important to take a different approach to towels that aren't used for showering and bathing. Washing machine experts have warned of the damage that can be done when beach towels are washed incorrectly. If you , never put sand-covered towels straight into the drum.

"Sand is abrasive and could damage the drum as well as block the filter and pipes," explains Tailang Bu from Hotpoint.

"Once sand has found its way into your machine, it's hard to remove."

When you get home, instead of putting beach towels straight into the washing machine, take them outside and shake vigorously to remove any loose particles.

It's best to do this before packing towels away at the beach, and if you can, leave the towels in the sun before taking them home.

According to Petya Holevich, a domestic cleaning expert at Fantastic Services, the sun's rays help kill germs that are often found on the beach.

She said, "Once it's dry, shake it one more time to make sure you're bringing as little sand as possible into the house."

Washing beach towels is slightly different to bath towels because the materials are often different. Instead of a long, hot wash with powerful detergent, use gentle laundry ingredients.

This should include a colour-safe detergent and limited fabric conditioner, as this will affect the absorbency of the beach towel over time.

It is recommended that towels be washed separately from other laundry items, and some laundry experts suggest ditching hot washes for cold water.

Cold water preserves bright colours that are often used on beach towels and prevents debris from getting trapped in the fibres.

As with all laundry, drying towels is crucial to prevent mould, mildew, and musty odours-and it's especially important for beach towels.

Thorough drying also helps to maintain the towel's softness and fluffiness. Ensure they are dried well after washing and after use, whether on the beach or in your garden.

After washing, tumble dry beach towels on a low to medium heat setting. Avoid high heat, as it can damage the fibres and cause shrinkage.

To air-dry towels, hang them in a well-ventilated area, ideally outside in the sun, to ensure they dry completely.