There are few things more lovely than fresh, white towels that are perfectly fluffy. But after multiple washes it can be hard to remember what this sensation is like.
Over time even the most expensive and luxurious towels can go stiff and hard due to detergent residue, mineral buildup, or even due to the friction caused during the washing process.
But before you go throwing your towels out and investing in new ones, there is something you can do to make them go perfectly fluffy again.
It can be tempting to add softener to your towels while washing them, in the hope it will make them lovely and soft. But in reality, this can actually make the problem even worse.
Fabric softener can coat the towel fibres, causing them to lose absorbency and become stiff and scratchy.
How to make towels soft and fluffy
Instead, there’s another product you can add to your wash – and it’s something you probably already have in your washing or cooking cupboard. One person took to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group to ask the question: “How do people keep [their] towels fluffy, mine always feel rough, use Spanish washing liquid and softener, thanks.”
Many savvy cleaners recommended running them through the tumble dryer to give them that fluffy texture – but there’s another ingredient that can help it even further. “Add white vinegar into the comfort compartment,” said one person.
Another agreed: “A cup of plain white vinegar instead of softener and they’re perfect,” and a third commented: “Add white vinegar to softener compartment, flesh and fluffy. Do not add softener. No vinegar smell and great for the washing machine. Been doing this method for years.”
Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap, agreed it’s important to wash towels “correctly” to keep them soft and fluffy. He previously explained it’s important not to overload the washing machine – so for an average appliance this is about seven bath towels maximum.
You should also avoid using too much detergent, as this could leave residue on them. He also added that both white vinegar and baking soda can be used to “transform rough towels to soft ones”.
The laundry pro explained: “Simply add 250ml of white vinegar to the washing machine drum alongside the liquid detergent you normally use and dry as normal.
“You can also use bicarbonate of soda to make your towels soft and fluffy. Mix eight tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with your laundry detergent before putting it in the washing machine.
“This will help loosen up the towel fibres and get rid of any dirt, keeping your towels as good as new.”
