All the best hacks for making towels soft and fluffy

One of life's simple pleasures is wrapping yourself in a soft towel after a steaming hot shower.

Unfortunately, this moment of pure bliss is too often interrupted by the awful feeling of a crunchy, non-absorbent sheet that concerningly resembles sandpaper.

So, how do you keep your towels fluffy and soft? It turns out there are plenty of ways to maintain the longevity, absorbency and softness of your towels; here they are.

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Washing towels separately

While doing a separate load of laundry just for towels may not be a luxury we can all afford, there is an important reason behind this suggestion.

A towel load improves the texture of the fabric and protects the other items in the washing machine.

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Due to the heavy fabric used to make towels, laundering them alongside lightweight items can risk stretching them out of shape.

Towels are often dirtier than delicate clothing items, harbouring bacteria that should be kept away from lightweight fabrics.

Avoid using too much detergent

When washing towels, it's tempting to load the washing machine with lots of laundry detergent in the hopes it will help thoroughly clean them.

However, too much detergent can have the opposite effect, building up in the towel's fibres and making it stiff.

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To avoid this, use half the amount recommended for a regular load, especially if you're using concentrated detergent.

Ensuring enough space for the towels in the washing machine also means they are being rinsed thoroughly.

Add vinegar

Another great way to avoid overloading towels with detergent is by replacing fabric softener with a cup of white vinegar.

Vinegar is an essential product in any cleaning arsenal. It breaks down any detergent residue while restoring the towel's absorbency and softening its fabric.

Use baking soda

Surprisingly, adding half a cup of baking soda eliminates any lingering odours and freshens the towel. Baking soda becomes activated when mixed with water and naturally deodorises fabric.

Drying towels correctly

It's crucial to avoid overdrying towels, as their fibres can be quickly damaged, making them scratchy and non-absorbent.

When tumble-drying towels, you can add dryer balls to help separate the towels during the cycle. Dryer balls also help efficiently distribute the hot air that fluffs the towel.

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Using a medium heat setting, remove the towels when they are still slightly damp before allowing them to air dry.

Alternatively, line-dry your towels with plenty of space surrounding each towel, ensuring they are not overdried.

Hanging towels out to dry can lead to stiffness. Giving towels a solid shake after taking them off the line can help counteract this.

Salt soak

If you notice a towel has become stiff and scratchy, there is a simple solution to restoring its fluffy texture.

After soaking a towel in half a cup of salt and warm water overnight, wash as usual to restore its soft texture.

Salt works by loosening fibres and removing residue. It is a super simple solution, though it should only be used occasionally to avoid excessive wear on the fibres.

Next time you notice a towel is doing more scratching than drying, consider giving these hacks a go.

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