The Secret to Speed Grooming: Towel Choices

When it comes to towels, you might notice they have two different sides: one with brushed twisted yarn and another that’s unbrushed. While this difference doesn’t drastically impact drying time for most towels, it’s worth noting—especially if you’re looking to speed up your grooming process.

I learned this insight from a speed groomer I met years ago, who was able to groom 9-12 dogs in a single day, finishing by mid-afternoon. One of her tricks was storing damp towels in plastic trash bags to control humidity.

If you look closely at a towel, you’ll see that one side has a rougher texture, while the other is smooth. The smooth side is great for printing and embroidery, making it look nice when displayed on a rack. In contrast, the coarse side is designed for effective drying.

If you find that a dog isn’t drying as quickly as usual, check the towel's surface. If it’s smooth, flip it over to the rough side for better results. If the towel still doesn’t perform well, consider using more economical towels without the presentation finish.

The reason I bring this up is to highlight how speed groomers pay attention to the finer details of their tools and equipment. Every speed groomer I’ve met understands these nuances, which can save precious minutes—turning 30-minute drying sessions into 20, or even 15. Those minutes add up, potentially freeing you up to groom more dogs in a day—and that means more revenue!

While this might seem like a minor point, it exemplifies the meticulous approach of skilled speed groomers who strive for efficiency in every aspect of their work.