Towels can lose their softness and fluffiness due to various factors, including excessive detergent use, outdoor drying, and hard water. These issues can leave towels feeling rough, an undesirable trait for many, especially when hosting guests. To combat this, experts recommend two common household ingredients: white vinegar and baking soda.
According to Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap, both of these items are effective in restoring the softness of towels. He suggests adding 250ml of white vinegar directly to the washing machine drum along with your regular liquid detergent. After washing, simply dry the towels as usual. This method not only softens the fabric but also helps maintain its cleanliness.
Baking soda also plays a crucial role in towel care. Dimitrov advises mixing eight tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with your laundry detergent before placing it in the washing machine. This combination works to loosen the fibres in the towels and remove dirt, ensuring they remain “as good as new.”
Despite concerns about the strong scent of white vinegar, Dimitrov reassures users that towels do not retain a vinegar smell after washing. White vinegar is widely available, including at supermarkets such as Tesco, where it can be purchased for just 35p. Many hotels utilize this ingredient for its effectiveness in laundry care.
Additional Tips for Fluffy Towels
To further enhance towel softness, it is advisable to wash towels separately from other laundry. Jessica Hanley, founder of Piglet in Bed, emphasizes that washing towels with clothes can transfer bacteria between items during the washing cycle.
Additionally, before placing towels in the dryer, Hanley recommends shaking off any excess water. This practice not only helps fluff the material but also maintains its absorbency, ensuring a comfortable experience for users.
Incorporating these simple techniques into laundry routines can significantly improve the quality of towels. By using ingredients readily available in most households, anyone can achieve the soft, fluffy towels they desire, enhancing both personal comfort and the experience of guests.
