If towels have lost their softness and the fresh feel you love, you’re not alone. It’s normal for towels to harden with time and use. Here’s a simple homemade method to restore the softness and bring them back to like-new condition.
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How to wash towels: the problem of coarse towels
Rough towels can be uncomfortable after a bath or shower. Instead of wrapping yourself in softness, you may feel a sharp, gritty texture. The most common cause is detergent and softener residue that builds up in the fibers, making towels stiff over time.
How to wash towels: vinegar and baking soda are the solution
Use a few pantry staples you likely already have: white vinegar and baking soda. Both help clean and deodorize, and they are excellent allies for restoring softness to towels.
Steps to restore towel softness
- Wash towels without fabric softener or detergents that contain softeners. The aim is to remove residue that accumulates on fibers, so avoid detergents with softeners when washing towels.
- Prepare a white vinegar mixture: mix a glass of white vinegar with water in a bowl. This acts as a natural softening agent.
- Begin the wash cycle with vinegar: load the towels as usual. When the washer is filled with water and the towels are submerged, add the vinegar mixture to the detergent compartment or directly into the drum.
- Run a full cycle in hot water: vinegar acts as a natural softener, loosening fibers and removing detergent residues.
- Add baking soda: after the vinegar wash, add 1/2 cup baking soda to the drum.
- Run another full hot water cycle: baking soda helps neutralize odors and enhances softness.
- Enjoy soft, clean towels: after these steps, towels should feel fresh and plush again. Softness with every use.
Additional tips:
- Don’t overload the washing machine: give towels room to move so the treatment works effectively.
- Wash towels regularly: to maintain softness, wash them routinely and repeat the vinegar and baking soda steps as needed.
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Remember this home number: not only does it help keep towels soft, but it’s also an eco-friendly option since it avoids chemical softeners. The next time you wrap yourself in a soft, clean towel after bathing, you’ll know the secret to keeping them in great condition. Enjoy softness with every use!
Note: This guidance pulls from common household cleaning practices and consumer safety information commonly shared by home care experts. (Citation: Home Cleaning Guide)