Sound can travel far and at a rapid speed and while some enjoy certain sounds, not all appreciate the mere fact of hearing others’ sounds and noises.
Individuals can use a towel to reduce some noise. However, not all noise will be canceled out for the neighbors. Many different methods tend to be more effective in soundproofing a room.
With multiple methods of reducing or canceling unwanted noise, individuals can use them at home. Some of these processes need no professional, whereas a professional must install the others.
What is Soundproofing?
Soundproofing refers to the process where an individual or a professional team, follows a process of blocking or reducing unwanted sound from entering or leaving a room, house, office, or other areas.
Individuals can not dampen or remove all sounds that occur around them, thus closing a specific location or room, and soundproofing it to ensure no sounds can come in or go out is the next best solution.
Sound travels through waves, and preventing it from moving around can be difficult. There are many reasons and soundproofing benefits for a noise-canceling room or house. Some prefer to prevent outside sounds and noise from entering their room, while others are determined to keep noise and sound waves inside their house.
There are methods that homeowners can use to ensure a soundproof room, however, the first objective must be to determine the entrance of the sound. This can be through the ceiling with heavy-footed neighbors, through the windows that access the streets, or through a door. Determine where the sound comes from, then decide on a method to block sound from entering the room.
Does Putting a Towel Under the Door Work for Noise Reduction?
Bath towels are usually made from cotton, silk, synthetic or nettle, and wood fibers. Towels are soft objects used to dry or clean individuals or surfaces. Thus, using a towel to reduce noise is not its main purpose. This will only provide limited soundproofing to any room or apartment.
Effectiveness of Using a Towel under the Door to Reduce Noise
Sound can be absorbed by many different materials. And cotton is one of the best materials to absorb sound. Thus using a towel to soundproof a door or to reduce sound is possible. This, however, will only be suited for doors and or windows. With a limited amount of surface space, the towel will not be able to cover the entire door or window, which will leave the room with limited soundproofing.
How Towels Can Help Reduce Noise?
Bathing towels can absorb the sound that enters from outside the room, whether that is children screaming or other irritating noises that the individual wants to eliminate. Towels are an effective short-term solution to soundproofing a room. Using towels for soundproofing has a set of benefits.
The soundproofing effect of a towel is that it is cheap and simple to use. Homeowners can buy or use multiple towels all around the necessary entrances. The towel can have a dual purpose which means it can be used for more than just soundproofing a room. And the last is that it is an object that the individual already owns. A wet towel can be used as acoustic foam to ensure a sound disruption and as a bathroom necessity.
Limitations of Using a Towel as a Sound Barrier
As a soft and delicate product with a specific surface area, towels can have a limited amount of reach. This limitation of a small surface level would reduce the capability of absorbing sound coming from multiple directions.
Another limitation is that a towel is not a permanent fix to a sound problem. Even though the towel can absorb sound waves and reduce the sound that enters the room, it must be removed if a door or window wants to be used. The towel might gather dust and dirt as the days pass.
Other Methods for Soundproofing Doors
Alternative Ways for Soundproofing Doors
There are many methods for soundproofing a door. Some of the DIY methods are cheap and easy to get hold of, while others are more expensive and will take time to arrive. There are pros and cons to all and the best option will be determined by the buyer.
Soundproof Curtains
Curtains can add more to life than just absorbing light. Some curtains can be used to soundproof a room. Individuals have different options and choices to choose from. With different styles, colors, themes, and textures the customer has all the power in determining what will suit them best.
Weather Stripping
Weather strips are originally used to fill gaps around a window or door that allows a draft or wind in. These strips were made to block out any unwanted wind and keep the room temperature at a consistent degree. Individuals can use weather strips to keep out noise with the evolution of weather strips.
Weather strips are easy to install and are a great method to reduce sound. The stripping will be placed at the ends of the doors, which will absorb any sound that might be heading in their direction. Weather stripping is a great way to reduce sound and isolate the room.
Acoustic Door Seals
An acoustic door seal will be an economical option that can be modified according to the customer’s style. These door seals are one of the best tools to reduce sound from entering or leaving the room. They are easy to install and will last over a long period of time.
Check Out 15 Best Ways on How to Soundproof a Door:
DIY Soundproofing Tips
Most individuals enjoy the comfort of their house due to the lack of noise and disturbance that can occur. With some peace and quiet, individuals can rest and relax to ensure that they are ready for what may follow. This however is not always possible. Noisy neighbors or traffic can keep individuals awake.
Individuals can use towels, curtains, or rugs to reduce sound. These soft materials will absorb the sound waves that might enter through the door or windows of the house. Another method is to build or buy a bookcase that fills an entire wall from top to bottom. Books absorb mass sound and will reduce sound within an apartment or house.
Building an extra layer of wall between the noise and the silent desired room can be done. Some individuals prefer to build a drywall or soundproof wall. This will reduce the sound and ensure some peace and quiet within the house.
Another method that most have tried is to place eggshells all around a room. Even though it can present in an ugly and disorganized way, eggshells can reduce some noise and echo. The main reason most would shy away from using this technique is due to the fact that it looks ugly and disturbing. There are better products that represent eggshells, that individuals can use that are more efficient and present in a better way.
When to Hire a Professional
The idea behind DIY is to save money and time on planning and organizing a specialist to install the entire system of soundproof. This might be a great solution for a small room or house that needs some noise reduction. However, this will not have a great impact if there are multiple different loud noises or a big house or room that needs soundproofing.
Large-scale projects such as setting up a house that is soundproof will need a professional with proper soundproofing panels. The professional will save the homeowner or project manager time and money by installing the correct equipment and professional soundproofing material. Professionals will know exactly what to suggest and install to ensure the best reduction of noise through real soundproofing materials. These professionals will be able to install permanent soundproofing solutions that prevent external sounds from entering the room.
FAQs
How Do You Soundproof a Door with Towels?
An easy method to use to ensure a soundproof door is to either fold the towel into a long sphere shape and then place it at the bottom of the door. Another method is to place it over the entire frame, if it is long and wide enough, which will then absorb any noise—making it a tremendous soundproof instrument.
Are Hotels Soundproof?
Most hotels are soundproof. And these rooms are not solely soundproof to keep next-door neighbors’ noise away, but the wall soundproofing ensures that street noise, such as cars and trains, does not keep the guests away.
Final Thoughts
There are many methods for reducing or canceling noise from external sources. Some of these sources might be more economical, while others have a higher endurance. All these methods have their price and strengths. However, in conclusion for a towel-under-the-door noise reduction method, can be a good short-term plan.
A towel is not the best long-term solution; individuals can use many other methods to reduce noise. While it is easy to use and can reduce some noise, it can be a tedious task to fold or place the towel over a door or window the entire time. Reducing noise is a great first step to ensure calmness and silence within a house. Thus, whether it is a towel or any other method, individuals can be at ease that methods to reduce sound and noise are a great possibility.
