Lab Notes: When is it time to throw in the towel?

If you reach for the old tea towel in the cupboard, this episode is for you.

It's time to talk textiles: why older towels seem to be better at drying, and when it may be time to throw out your more well-worn towels.

Jonathan follows the thread with Ellen Phiddian to find out what we can do with our linen.

You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.

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Or get yourself a Radio National tea towel commemorating Science Week 2026!

Featuring:

• Ellen Phiddian, Science Reporter ABC

This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal, Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.