Towels can become stiff and coarse over time due to detergent residue, fabric softener, or incorrect washing techniques. Instead of buying replacements, there is a simple method to restore their original softness using baking soda.
What the Mrs Hinch community recommends
Posting on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page, Simone Williams asked: "How do you get towels nice and soft without using a tumble dryer?" The post drew more than 150 responses from users sharing their tips.
Sue Howard wrote: "You need to start by washing them separately from your other washes and ditching the fabric softener. Then add baking soda to your wash. It makes them soft and fluffy, but I personally prefer a rough towel."
Why baking soda works
Ladie Peas said: "Towels go hard because of the laundry conditioner. I always just use baking soda to help remove the buildup." Debbie Levett commented: "The conditioner is bad for towels, so it's good to wash them now and again without it and use baking soda instead."
Incorporating baking soda into your towel wash helps eliminate soap and chemical deposits that can build up on the fabric. Simply combine half a cup of this cupboard staple with your usual washing detergent and launder as normal. Baking soda will additionally neutralise any musty smells your towels may have absorbed.
Avoid vinegar and other alternatives
While some people suggested white vinegar, others cautioned that this could harm the washing machine, so it's advisable to steer clear of it. Epsom salts and citric acid are also handy household staples that can help revive scratchy towels. Citric acid has numerous other household applications, including brightening towels and socks.
To stop towels from becoming hard again, ensure they are thoroughly dried before returning them to your towel cupboard.
