Chlorine is important in swimming pools to kill harmful bacteria, viruses and algae – stopping swimmers from getting sick.

Its use has been the norm in UK pools since a serious outbreak of typhoid fever caused by a faulty sand filter in 1905. But while it protects humans, it takes a real toll on towels and other textiles.

As a powerful bleaching agent, it breaks down dye molecules in fabrics, stripping the colour out of towels, leaving them faded or blotchy.

Look at this example spa towel, compared with one that’s been overdyed by us to its original shade, that started out as a smart grey and ended up a washed-out beige after a few months of getting wet with chlorinated water before being washed in the laundry system.

Regenex processes more and more such towels – many thousands so far – returning them to their former glory – or sometimes new colours – as laundries increasingly realise that strong and serviceable items should not be condemned to landfill or rag on discoloration alone.

The quality towels pictured, seen in their ‘before and after ‘overdyeing condition, are among hundreds from a major health club and spa chain that we have been processing lately.

Our technical director Paul Hamilton said: “Alongside washed-out workwear and tired tableware, reviving chlorine bleached towels is becoming a major part of our business.

“When they are free from rips or tears, and have plenty of life left in them, overdyeing them to their original colour is a great solution to this problem.”

To talk to Regenex about overdyeing towels, contact Paul on 07795 693345 or email paulhamilton@bulmerandlumb.com.