Angela Patrone, a senior lifestyle reporter, has stopped using white vinegar to soften her hard towels, switching instead to a natural item she says works better: soda crystals. The change came after years of relying on distilled white vinegar, a popular hack for maintaining towel softness due to its mild acidity that dissolves laundry detergent residue and acts as a natural fabric softener.
Soda Crystals Outperform Vinegar
Patrone now adds a scoop of soda crystals to the washing machine drum instead of pouring white vinegar into the detergent drawer. She reports that towels emerge from the washer feeling cleaner and softer, even before drying. She buys Dri-Pak Soda Crystals from Home Bargains for £1.79. Soda crystals are a naturally occurring salt with high alkalinity, which breaks down fabric softener and oils efficiently, according to Patrone. Cleaning experts concur that this method is effective.
Why Soda Crystals Work
Washing towels can be challenging because greasy soap build-up is difficult to remove without harsh cleaners that might stain or damage fabric. Soda crystals eliminate residue, leaving towels cleaner, softer, and more absorbent. Patrone notes that some of her towels have lasted nearly 10 years without feeling rough or crusty.
How to Use Soda Crystals for Soft Towels
Patrone recommends washing towels separately from clothing and bedding to avoid lint transfer. She adds a scoop of soda crystals to the drum along with a single laundry detergent pod before loading towels. Fabric softener should be avoided, as it leaves greasy soap residue. Patrone avoids fabric softener entirely in her laundry. She sets the washing machine to a hot 60-degree cycle to thoroughly clean towels and eradicate bacteria. After the cycle finishes, she runs an additional rinse cycle to remove any loosened soap residue. Finally, she hangs towels outside to dry in sunlight, or on an airer with a dehumidifier if outdoor drying isn't possible.
