Many people are divided when it comes to the feel of their towels. Some people love them rough, while others prefer them soft and fluffy.
For those who prefer towels on the softer side, it could be because they are making one all too common laundry mistake when washing them – and that’s using fabric softener.
Many people default to using fabric softener in every load of washing. Although it can minimise piling and soften many garments, fabric conditioner doesn’t work well with towels.
Fabric softeners can make even the most high-quality towels stiff and uncomfortable to use.
While white vinegar can help to soften towels, if they are not dried correctly, towels will not soften. This is what one mum claimed when responding to a cleaning fan’s “cardboard towel” dilemma on the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook page.
Emma Peake said: “Even though I use white vinegar to wash my towels I find the the only way to instantly soften them is to tumble dry them. So quick and easy. Takes just 10 minutes.”
Other Mrs Hinch fans also agreed with using the tumble dryer to soften towels. Terri-Lousie Evans wrote: “You shouldn’t use softener with towels. Although they smell amazing, they give the fibres a coat that makes them more water-resistant.
“Tumble drying I find is the only way to get them soft.” Caroline Deegan said: “Tumble dryer is the only way.”
Tina Preece commented: “I’ve started drying my laundry on the airer then putting it in the dryer for 10 minutes. I’ve ditched the fabric softener and my towels have never been so soft.”
Alison Kirkland said: “I like my towels scratch, but my mum puts towels in the dryer for 10 minutes and that softens them.”
Vickie Kelly claimed: “I put them in the dryer for 10 minutes. When I take them out they’re so fluffy.”
According to laundry brand Lenor, the “best way to make your towels fluffier” is by placing them inside the tumble dryer right after the wash.
When putting the towels in the tumble dryer, they suggest placing a dryer sheet on to preserve their just-washed-freshness, provide them with “extra softness”, and reduce creasing.
Make sure to use a lower heat and slower speed settings to avoid damaging the fibres of the towels.
