How to Get Towels Soft and Fluffy Again: The Ultimate Guide

There’s nothing quite like stepping out of a warm shower and wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy towel. But over time, towels can become rough, flat, and far from the luxurious feel they once had. If your towels have lost their fluff and absorbency, don’t worry! With a few simple techniques and household ingredients, you can revive your towels and make them soft and fluffy once again. 

Why Do Towels Lose Softness and Absorbency?

Before we explore the solutions, it's important to understand why towels can become rough and lose their absorbency. Here are some common reasons:

• Detergent Buildup: Using excessive detergent or fabric softener can leave a residue that clogs the fibers of the towel, resulting in stiffness.
• Hard Water: The minerals found in hard water can build up in towels, giving them a scratchy and heavy texture.
• Over Drying: Regularly drying towels on high heat can damage the fibers, leading to a loss of softness.
• Improper Washing: Washing towels alongside heavy or lint-producing fabrics can contribute to wear and tear.

HOW TO RESTORE THE TOWEL SOFTNESS

1. Use Vinegar to Break Down Detergent Residue

White vinegar serves as a natural cleaning agent and is an excellent way to eliminate detergent buildup from towels. Here’s how to do it:

• Step 1: Place the towels in the washing machine, skipping the detergent and fabric softener.
• Step 2: Pour in about one cup of white vinegar directly into the drum.
• Step 3: Set the machine to a hot wash cycle for the towels.

Vinegar helps break down residue and brings back absorbency. It also functions as a natural softener and deodorizer, ensuring your towels smell fresh.

2. Try Baking Soda for Extra Softness

After washing with vinegar, a second wash with baking soda can provide your towels with an extra fluff boost. Baking soda works to loosen the fibers, making the towels feel soft and fresh.

• Step 1: After the vinegar wash, add about half a cup of baking soda to the drum.
• Step 2: Run the towels on another hot wash cycle.

This combination of vinegar and baking soda effectively eliminates stubborn residues, odors, and hard water deposits, leaving your towels fresh, soft, and ready to use.

3. Skip the Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners are meant to make towels softer, but they can actually make them less absorbent by leaving a waxy coating on the fibers. Instead, try using natural alternatives like vinegar and baking soda for softening. By avoiding fabric softener over time, your towels will remain fluffy and better at soaking up moisture..

4. Wash Towels Separately

Towels should ideally be washed by themselves. When you wash towels with other fabrics, particularly those that shed lint or are heavier, it can lead to abrasion and damage. Washing them separately allows for more space to tumble freely, which helps prevent pilling and keeps them soft.

5. Adjust the Washing Temperature

Towels should be washed in warm to hot water to effectively remove body oils, grime, and residue. However, using excessively high temperatures can damage the fibers. A wash temperature between 40–60°C (104–140°F) is ideal for the best results, or you can refer to the care label for specific instructions.

6. Choose the Right Detergent – And Don’t Overdo It

Using too much detergent can cause buildup, which reduces a towel's absorbency and softness. Instead, try using about half the recommended amount, especially when washing with hot water. Choose a mild, eco-friendly detergent that is free from added perfumes or dyes for optimal results.

7. Shake Towels Before Drying

Before putting towels in the dryer, give each one a good shake. This loosens the fibers, prevents bunching, and helps maintain fluffiness. You can also shake them out again before folding to add a bit more airiness to the fabric.

8. Tumble Dry with Dryer Balls or Tennis Balls

While air drying towels can sometimes make them feel stiff, you can tumble-dry them on a low to medium heat setting to keep them fluffy. Adding dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer can help lift the towels, reduce drying time, and prevent the fibers from flattening. This method is especially beneficial if you have limited access to soft water.

9. Avoid Over drying

Over-drying towels in the dryer can damage the fibers and make them feel stiff. Instead, take them out while they’re still slightly damp and let them finish drying on a rack. This approach helps maintain their softness over time.

10. Soften Towels with Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is another household item that can help soften towels. Dissolve half a cup of Epsom salt in a bucket of warm water, then soak the towels for 20-30 minutes. After soaking, rinse them in cold water and either air dry or tumble dry with dryer balls. Epsom salt helps break down minerals and detergent residue, which is particularly useful in hard water areas.

11. Air Out Between Uses

Lastly, avoid leaving damp towels bunched up in the bathroom. After use, hang them up to dry in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold, mildew, and musty odors. This simple practice keeps towels fresh and soft for a longer time.

You can get in touch with LivingT for any more similar tips since we provide the best quality towels in Pakistan!