One member of the popular Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook group recently highlighted their problem with rough towels. Rob Whiting asked fellow household hack enthusiasts: “How do you keep your towels soft? Ours have gone brick-hard. We don’t have a tumble dryer – the towels are usually put over an electric airer.”
Dozens rushed to respond, sharing their own methods, with one surprisingly natural solution dominating the discussion. And it’s not white vinegar or fabric softener that’s being praised for restoring fluffiness.
The item many people recommended on the social media platform is soda crystals – a simple and inexpensive laundry booster that’s been a staple in British households for decades.
Katie Paterson commented: “I wash with soda crystals. I’ve done this for 30 years and never had a problem with hard towels.”
Many others echoed the sentiment, noting that soft, clean towels don’t require harsh chemicals or expensive products.
Jane Herd explained: “Use soda crystals. I don’t have a dryer either, so I just hang mine on the line but [they’re] definitely softer [with soda crystals] than with [fabric] conditioner.”
It appears that fabric conditioner, often thought to help with softness, may actually lead to build-up that contributes to the problem.
Over time, build-up from softeners, detergents, and minerals in hard water can leave towels feeling stiff and scratchy.
By dissolving these residues, soda crystals allow the towels to absorb water better, making them feel plush and fluffy once again.
Gail Radford advised: “I wash on 30 degrees with soda crystals, then once a month I give them a 60-degree wash. It helps prevent a build-up of chemicals on them.”
Another major advantage of using soda crystals is that they work especially well for households without a tumble dryer, making them ideal for air-drying methods like line drying or electric airers.
While air drying can often leave fabrics stiff, the cleansing effect of soda crystals helps mitigate that issue.
For those looking to switch to a more sustainable laundry routine, soda crystals also offer an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative.
Towels washed with soda crystals are reported to smell fresher and retain their softness for longer. It’s a small laundry swap that could make a big difference to everyday comfort.