If you’re trying to make your towels softer, fabric softener might seem like the go-to solution, but it can actually have the reverse effect. The culprit behind scratchy towels post-wash is often the accumulation of fabric softeners and detergents on the fibres.
Contrary to what you might think, an excess of detergent can be detrimental to your towels. Soap residue hampers their drying ability, reducing softness and turning them into potential hotbeds for bacteria. Cleaning gurus at Ask Team Clean have a simple fix that could rejuvenate even “the crustiest of towels can feel like new by simply making one change” without relegating them to the cleaning cupboard.
They suggest using baking soda to “restore the fluffiness”.
Baking soda, a natural cleaning agent found in most kitchens, can work wonders, reports the Express.
It’s essential to wash towels separately from other laundry to keep them soft, as they are generally heavier and more absorbent than other textiles and need a different washing method. Isolating towels prevents damage from rougher materials and helps maintain their plushness and absorbency.
For a “softer texture” and to eliminate any “sour odour”, run a wash cycle with half a cup of baking soda, leaving out the detergent.
The specialists at Linens Limited highlighted that they favour using baking soda rather than vinegar, which most people instinctively choose.
They explained: “Using baking soda may be a better option than vinegar as it is a more neutral substance that will not linger in any noticeable way.”
After washing, tumble dry on high heat and remove promptly once dry, since line drying towels is the “biggest culprit in creating hard, scratchy towels”.
You could attempt to maintain their softness by drying them until almost dry on the line, then completing the process with ten minutes in the tumble dryer.
Whatever drying approach you choose, you might consider giving your towels a vigorous shake to help restore their fluffiness.