If your towels are feeling tough and scratchy, there’s a simple way to soften them without using fabric softener – and it’s a kitchen staple
Fabric softener might seem like the go-to for softer towels, but it can actually do more harm than good. The main culprit behind scratchy towels post-wash is the build-up of fabric softeners and detergents on the fibres.
It may sound paradoxical, but an excess of detergent can be detrimental to your towels. Soap residue hampers drying efficiency, reducing softness and turning your towels into potential hotbeds for bacteria.
The cleaning gurus at Ask Team Clean have a simple solution that could rejuvenate even “the crustiest of towels can feel like new by simply making one change” without relegating them to the rag pile. They suggest using baking soda to “restore the fluffiness”.
Baking soda isn’t just a natural detergent; it’s also a common fixture in most kitchens. Before reaching for the baking soda, remember to separate your towels from other laundry to keep them soft, reports the Express.
Given that towels are generally heavier and more absorbent than other textiles, they require a distinct washing method. Washing towels on their own avoids damage from other garments’ rough textures, thus maintaining their plushness and absorbency.
For a “softer texture” and to eliminate any “sour odour”, run a wash cycle with half a cup of baking soda, leaving out the washing powder. The team at Linens Limited have expressed a preference for baking soda over the commonly used vinegar for freshening up towels.
They explained their choice, saying: “Using baking soda may be a better option than vinegar as it is a more neutral substance that will not linger in any noticeable way.”
To avoid the stiffness associated with line drying, they recommend drying towels on high heat and taking them out immediately once dry, as leaving them to air dry is the “biggest culprit in creating hard, scratchy towels”.
For those who prefer line drying, they suggest a compromise: dry the towels almost completely on the line, then finish with a brief 10-minute tumble in the dryer to maintain softness.
Regardless of the chosen drying method, they also recommend giving towels a vigorous shake to enhance their fluffiness.
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