Washing detergent and fabric softener can inadvertently cause towel fibres to stick together and harden, leading to a rough feel on the skin.
Not only that, hard water areas – which make up most of the UK – can exacerbate the problem. While some people may like the rough texture, many would prefer the plush softness of a newly clean towel.
One mum asked for advice on how to transform towels from scratchy to soft on the online forum Mumsnet. “Has anyone got any tips on how to make towels soft again once they have gone hard?” the post stated.
One fellow Mumsnet user provided the “best” solution: “Wash with soda crystals only in your machine – no washing powder or liquid – on a hot cotton wash, then tumble dry.”
She underscored the importance of leaving out washing detergent: “Towels tend to go hard when they have washing powder or liquid residue in them.”
The Mumsnet commentator added: “They should be washed at 60 degrees (or hotter). The soda crystals will clean the towels and break down the detergent deposits making them hard.”
The mum also recommended the use of a tumble dryer to get “soft and fluffy towels at home”. For people who don’t have a tumble dryer, there is always the launderette, the post continued.
One popular addition to the wash to soften towels is white vinegar, but there can be a lingering stench. One Mumsnet user explained: “Some people recommend white vinegar in the machine as a substitute for fabric softener.
“I tried this once when I ran out of softener and it made everything smell like a chippy, although I only used a small amount. I had to wash it all again.”
Tops tips to soften hard towels
Toss a tennis ball or dryer ball in the washing machine
When you are washing towels, adding in a dryer ball will help to fluff up the towels as they spin around.
Lighten the load
Make sure the washing machine isn’t overfilled so that the towels have enough space to rinse off any detergent if you are using any.
Reduce detergent
Too much detergent in the wash is a big no-no when it comes to washing towels, as the detergent can leave behind a soapy residue that makes the fibres stick together.
Baking soda
Adding baking soda to the wash can help turn hard scratchy towels into plush, soft towels.
