Soft and fluffy towels lend your bathroom a real luxurious warmth. Yet all too often we have to make do with a stiff and scratchy drying experience – but not any more, thanks to an expert’s top tips
There’s something undeniably lovely about wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy towel after a refreshing shower or bath.
It just adds a real touch of elegance and cosiness, making your bathroom space more inviting and warm in the process. Yet all too often we have to make do with the reality of a stiff and scratchy drying experience – but what can you do about it? Buy new towels? You just don’t need to, as there are a few neat ways to give your old ones a new lease of life.
Here, Melissa Caverly, founder of Imagine Maids, discusses expert hotel cleaners’ secret hacks to keep your towels soft and velvety.
Shake your towels
Before putting your towels in the washing machine, shake them vigorously to loosen up the fibres. This will help the detergent be more effectively absorbed, ensuring they’ll be clean and soft by the end of the washing cycle. Melissa says: “If you’re hanging them on a clothesline to dry, shake them once again before hanging to maximise the results.”
Add some white vinegar
White vinegar is cheap and environmentally friendly, and it can prolong the lifespan of your towels, removing stains and bacteria in the process. Simply add one to three cups to the drum or fabric softener drawer.
If your towels have become crisp, it may take several washes to soften them up again. Melissa says: “Make sure not to overdo the vinegar. Otherwise, it could erode your washing machine’s rubber seals and hoses, causing leaks.”
Dry your towels correctly
Dry your towels as soon as the wash cycle is complete. It’s good to alternate between line drying and tumble drying, or combine the two; a short time on the line before using a drier can speed up the process and make your towels fluffier.
According to Melissa, “Putting a tennis ball in the drier is another option. This may sound odd, but by bouncing around inside the drum, the tennis ball will help keep the towel fibres soft.”
What to avoid
Don’t use a drier too often, too hot, or too long – and never put towels on the radiator. Excessive washing powder or fabric conditioner can also cause your towels to become stiff and scratchy. Never overload your washing machine, as the towels will not wash properly.
Melissa says: “Hard water can also be a contributing factor. In this scenario, install a whole-home water softener or add baking soda to each wash. Remember, even if you follow all of these tips, poor-quality towels may still lose their softness. Investing in high-quality towels and caring for them correctly will ensure your towels are always soft and fluffy.”