Bath towels can become scratchy with age, but a simple laundry addition can restore their softness without buying new ones or investing in expensive fabric conditioners. Adding one ingredient to the routine is enough to refresh them.
Why Fabric Softener Fails
Fabric softener may seem like the obvious solution, but it can coat towel fibres and make them feel even stiffer and scratchier. Instead, a homemade alternative can restore towels.
Citric acid is an effective option. Mix one heaped teaspoon of citric acid with 500ml of water, then pour the mixture into the fabric softener compartment of the washing machine.
How to Use Citric Acid
Do not add any other products. Wash the towels on a hot setting to remove mineral buildup.
Citric acid also refreshes whites. White towels and clothing can turn dingy and grey with age, but citric acid can restore their proper colour.
Drying Tips for Soft Towels
While citric acid helps soften towels, avoiding line-drying is the best step. If a tumble dryer is available, drying towels with a tennis ball fluffs up the fibres and makes them feel brand new.
Without a tumble dryer, shaking towels before and after washing loosens the fibres and may make them feel softer.
