Towels that have become rough and stiff can be restored to their original softness in just 15 minutes using citric acid, a natural cleaning agent preferred by many cleaners. Unlike white vinegar, which is commonly used for this purpose, citric acid is more effective at breaking down mineral scale and leaves no odor.
Why Towels Become Rough
Two main factors contribute to towel roughness: hard water residues and buildup from laundry products like detergent and fabric softener. These residues accumulate over time, making fibers stiff and less absorbent. According to cleaning experts at Smol, citric acid can reverse this process by grabbing onto minerals and pulling them away from cotton fibers, making them soluble in water so they can be washed away.
What Is Citric Acid?
Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and grapefruits. In cleaning and laundry, it serves two key purposes: it softens water at low temperatures and neutralizes the alkalinity of laundry detergents. Most detergents are alkaline to help remove grease and dirt, but if not rinsed out, they leave fibers rough. Citric acid, being acidic, brings the fabric back to a neutral state, resulting in naturally softer towels. Additionally, citric acid is completely odorless, leaving towels smelling like clean cotton.
How to Soften Towels with Citric Acid
To soften extremely stiff towels, the Smol experts recommend soaking them in a bathtub with water and citric acid. Start by putting on rubber gloves and adding a quarter cup of citric acid to half a bath of hot water, stirring until dissolved. Place the towels in the solution and let them soak for 15 minutes. Drain the bath, then rinse the towels with cold water, drain again, and wring them out. Finally, dash and dry them as usual.
Avoiding Future Stiffness
When washing towels, avoid using too much detergent, as excess soapy residue can make fabric stiff and reduce absorbency. Also, steer clear of laundry powder, as it may not dissolve completely and can deposit into towel fibers, causing stiffness. By following these steps, you can keep towels soft and fluffy without relying on vinegar.
