Towels can harbour more bacteria than most people realise, but a simple natural laundry hack using washing soda can restore their softness and absorbency. Catherine Wrench from Planet Friendly Living explains that washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate or soda crystals, effectively breaks down acids, oils, soap scum, and stains.
Why Towels Become Stiff and Smelly
Many households use fabric softener when washing towels, which leads to excessive soap residue that blocks fibres. This build-up creates a waxy layer that leaves towels stiff, musty, and less hygienic. Washing soda's high alkalinity allows it to dissolve these residues without harsh chemicals that could damage fabric.
How to Use Washing Soda for Towels
Wash towels separately from other clothing to avoid lint transfer. Add 120ml of washing soda directly into the drum, along with a modest amount of laundry detergent in the drawer—but no fabric softener. Set the machine to a hot cycle at 60°C or 90°C to kill bacteria. After the cycle completes, run an extra rinse to flush out loosened residue.
Dry towels outside in sunlight or in a tumble dryer on medium heat. The result is noticeably softer, more absorbent towels that smell fresh. This method restores towels to an almost new condition without multiple washes.
Expert Tip
Catherine Wrench said: "Washing soda has a number of properties that make it especially useful around the home. It is particularly effective at breaking down acids and oils, softening water, cutting through soap scum, and removing stains."
This natural approach avoids the harsh chemicals found in many commercial cleaners, making it safe for both fabric and the environment.
