Stepping out of the shower or bath wrapped in a plush, comfortable towel is something many look forward to, but towels can quickly become rough and stiff. This happens due to various factors, including the accumulation of detergent residue and body oils within the fibres. Drying towels in a tumble dryer can also make them hard.
The Housekeeper's Secret for Soft Towels
Fortunately, there are several methods to restore them, with one housekeeper sharing her preferred technique on Facebook. Writing in the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips group, Jennifer Reynolds explained: "I've seen a lot of questions on here about how to keep towels, especially white ones, soft. But there's only one way to do it, I've learnt over the years, as a housekeeper washing towels all day. It's simply to add white vinegar in for an extra rinse after washing towels."
Why White Vinegar Works
White vinegar not only eliminates detergent or fabric softener buildup but also makes towels softer. The acetic acid in white vinegar helps break down these residues while preventing lingering harsh smells. Indeed, it's this natural product that can also eliminate any stale odours that may have developed.
How to Use White Vinegar
However, avoid pouring it straight into your washing machine drum, as it could damage the rubber and plastic components. Alternatively, you can pre-soak your towels in it beforehand, then rinse them prior to placing them in the washing machine. Or, you can pour a small amount into the pre-rinse compartment of the washing machine drawer.
Additional Tips for Fluffy Towels
Jennifer mentioned that she also "never uses" fabric softener on her towels, which helps maintain them "so soft and fluffy". Once the towels have finished their wash cycle, give them a vigorous shake to restore the cotton fibres to their natural shape and kick-start the drying process.
White vinegar is available for as little as 60p at supermarkets such as Tesco, or roughly £1 for a larger bottle from Home Bargains. Numerous cleaners and cleaning enthusiasts flocked to the comments section to express their particular fondness for Elbow Grease's white vinegar. The environmentally friendly product is suitable for a wide range of domestic chores, including tackling limescale and cleaning washing machines thoroughly.
