An expert has shared a variety of methods to keep towels lasting longer and you probably have a few of the products in your kitchen and cleaning cupboard already
Ever wondered how hotels manage to keep their towels so fluffy and soft despite constant use?
Well, one expert is spilling the beans on all their secrets, and luckily, it won’t cost you a fortune. There are several techniques that professionals use to extend the life of towels, and you likely already have some of the necessary products in your kitchen or cleaning cupboard.
Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms has shared his top tips for maintaining the “luxurious” feel of linens and towels. He told the Express: “It’s an unpleasant experience when towels start to go stale and have a damp odour after a few months of usage.
“Even after washing them the foul smell can still linger and the texture will have deteriorated.” According to Nic, you should be adopting the same cleaning methods as hotels and spas to prevent your towels from developing a stale and damp smell.
He suggested a range of products including white vinegar, bleach and extra fabric conditioner to keep your towels smelling fresh and your linens lasting longer. While Nic did mention that towels typically only have a lifespan of two years, he believes that following his advice could help them last a few months longer.
A “popular trick” is using white vinegar, a product widely used by hotels and spas across the hospitality industry. This product is quite affordable and can be purchased from Aldi for 35p, or you can grab a five-litre bottle from Amazon for £5.99.
You simply need to add two or three cups of vinegar into your wash of linens or towels, making it a cost-effective solution if you buy in bulk. The white vinegar will help strip out any extra detergent and fabric softener, deodorise the towels, and break away the bacteria on the towels.
Another trick is doubling up on detergent, as Nic explained: “To achieve the soft, fluffy texture, it’s worth doubling up on detergent and fabric conditioner now and again to enhance the luxurious feel. It can also expand the lifespan of towels as it reduces friction during the wash which tends to cause damage to the material.” A multi-purpose holy grail product for many, baking soda is great for both towels and washing laundry.
Using a quarter cup per wash can help eliminate any odours that are lingering and you can easily pick it up from a local supermarket on the cheap. It’s priced at 65p at both Aldi and Asda, and before you ask Bicarbonate of Soda is the same as Baking Soda.
Soaking towels in steaming hot water and baking soda can also soften them up and clean them thoroughly removing any extra products that haven’t washed away in the cleaning process. This process should be done for an hour before putting them into the machine for a hot wash cycle.
Bleach, in small doses, can work wonders, especially when it comes to reviving white towels to their former brilliance. But beware, overuse or excessive amounts can lead to fading. Nic advises: “Simply add a quarter of a cup of bleach and put the towels on a hot wash.”
