Towels can be restored to their original softness with a simple addition to your washing routine. Over time, hard water, wear and tear, and contact with oils can make towels rough and uncomfortable.
The Simple Fix
Cleaning expert @home.with.leanne claims the solution is surprisingly straightforward. She shared how a single basic ingredient brought her towels back from "stiff and scratchy to soft, fluffy, hotel-level again." That ingredient is baking soda.
Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, is a versatile household staple with many uses beyond baking, including removing marks, eliminating smells, and clearing blocked pipes.
How to Use It
For best results, add about half a cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine drum with your towels before starting a cycle. This method works by breaking down detergent residue that accumulates over time, making towels softer and more voluminous.
Using more detergent doesn't necessarily mean cleaner towels. Excess detergent can cling to fabric fibres, especially in bulky items like towels, leaving them stiff and scratchy. The tip suggests cutting your usual detergent amount in half, which is still sufficient for a proper clean.
Optimal Washing Temperature
Washing towels at the right temperature is also crucial. The expert recommends 40C, which balances effective cleaning with gentle care for the fibres. This warmth helps shift oils and residue without causing damage.
Those who have tried this method report noticeable results immediately. Towels come out softer and smelling fresher, as if they've received a luxury hotel upgrade in just one wash. As the expert noted, "Such a good and low tox hack, and nothing better than a fluffy, soft, white bath towel."
