Hard towels that have become rough and scratchy over time can be restored to soft, fluffy, hotel-level quality with a simple addition of baking soda in the washing machine, according to cleaning influencer Leanne, who shared the hack on social media. The technique requires no specialist products and works in just one wash, offering a cost-effective alternative to replacing worn towels.
How baking soda transforms towels
Leanne, who posts under the handle @home.with.leanne, explained that towels often feel stiff not because they are old, but because they are washed incorrectly. She recommended adding half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum alongside the towels before running a warm wash cycle. The baking soda helps dissolve stubborn detergent build-up that accumulates over time, leaving towels noticeably less stiff and fluffier.
"Your towels aren't old; you're just washing them wrong," Leanne said. She described how the simple ingredient turned her towels "from stiff and scratchy to soft, fluffy, hotel-level again."
Why less detergent is better
Interestingly, using extra detergent does not result in cleaner towels and can actually be counterproductive. Excess soap may fail to rinse out thoroughly, particularly in thicker fabrics like towels, and instead attaches to the fibres, creating a crispy feel. The widely-shared advice suggests using half the normal amount of detergent, which is typically sufficient for cleaning towels properly.
Optimal washing temperature
Another crucial element is laundering towels at the correct temperature. Leanne recommends 40°C, as warm water achieves an ideal compromise: hot enough to cleanse properly and remove oils and build-up, yet mild enough to protect the fibres from damage. Over the long term, this strategy helps maintain a plush, fluffy sensation rather than degrading the towels.
Instant results and user feedback
People who have tried this approach report immediate results. Towels come out plusher and smelling fresher, almost as if they have been elevated to spa-standard quality overnight. One user commented, "Such a good and low tox hack, and nothing better than a fluffy, soft, white bath towel."
