Towels are an essential item in our daily lives. We use them to dry ourselves after a shower or bath, clean up spills, and wipe our hands. However, if we don’t wash them properly, towels can become scratchy and stiff, making them uncomfortable to use. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips on how to wash towels to keep them soft and fluffy.
1. Wash towels separately
It’s best to wash your towels separately from your other clothes. This will prevent lint from getting on your towels, which can make them less absorbent and less soft. Additionally, washing your towels separately allows you to use more detergent and fabric softener, which can help keep them soft and fluffy.
2. Use the right amount of detergent
Using too much detergent can leave residue on your towels, making them stiff and scratchy. On the other hand, using too little detergent can result in your towels not getting clean enough. Follow the instructions on the detergent bottle to determine the correct amount to use.
3. Don’t use fabric softener every time
Although fabric softener can make your towels feel soft and smell good, using it every time you wash your towels can cause a buildup of residue, leading to them becoming stiff and scratchy. Instead, use fabric softener every other wash or use a dryer sheet to achieve the same effect.
4. Wash towels in warm water
Washing your towels in warm water can help dissolve any detergent residue and kill bacteria. However, avoid using hot water, as it can damage the fibers in your towels, causing them to become rough and scratchy.
5. Use vinegar in the wash
Vinegar is a natural fabric softener and can help remove any buildup of detergent residue. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to keep your towels soft and fluffy.
6. Dry towels on low heat
High heat can damage the fibers in your towels, causing them to become stiff and scratchy. Instead, dry your towels on low heat or hang them outside to air dry.
7. Don’t over-dry your towels
Over-drying your towels can cause them to become stiff and scratchy. Instead, remove them from the dryer while they are still slightly damp and hang them on a towel rack to finish drying.
8. Shake out your towels before drying
Shaking out your towels before drying can help fluff up the fibers, making them soft and fluffy. Additionally, it can help remove any loose lint or debris.
9. Avoid using bleach
Bleach can damage the fibers in your towels, causing them to become rough and scratchy. Instead, use a gentle detergent and wash your towels in warm water to remove any stains or discoloration.
10. Don’t overload your washing machine
Overloading your washing machine can prevent your towels from getting clean and can cause them to become stiff and scratchy. Instead, wash your towels in smaller loads to ensure that they are properly cleaned and rinsed.
11. Use a gentle cycle
A gentle cycle can help protect the fibers in your towels, preventing them from becoming rough and scratchy. Additionally, it can help remove any residual detergent or fabric softener.
12. Avoid using dryer balls
Dryer balls can be abrasive and can damage the fibers in your towels, causing them to become rough and scratchy. Instead, use a dryer sheet or hang your towels outside to air dry.
13. Wash towels regularly
Washing your towels regularly can help prevent bacteria from building up, which can cause them to become stiff and scratchy. Additionally, washing them regularly can help remove any buildup of detergent or fabric softener.
14. Use a towel rack
Using a towel rack to dry your towels can help prevent them from becoming stiff and scratchy. Additionally, it can help them dry faster, preventing bacteria from building up.
15. Avoid using too much laundry detergent
Using too much laundry detergent can cause a buildup of residue on your towels, making them stiff and scratchy. Follow the instructions on the detergent bottle to determine the correct amount to use.
16. Add baking soda to the wash
Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle can help remove any residual detergent or fabric softener, keeping your towels soft and fluffy.
17. Avoid using too much fabric softener
Using too much fabric softener can cause a buildup of residue on your towels, making them stiff and scratchy. Instead, use fabric softener every other wash or use a dryer sheet to achieve the same effect.
18. Use the right type of detergent
Using the wrong type of detergent can cause your towels to become stiff and scratchy. Use a detergent that is specifically designed for towels or use a gentle detergent.
19. Don’t iron your towels
Ironing your towels can damage the fibers in them, causing them to become rough and scratchy. Instead, fold them neatly and store them in a dry place.
20. Use a gentle fabric softener
A gentle fabric softener can help keep your towels soft and fluffy without causing a buildup of residue. Look for a fabric softener that is specifically designed for towels.
21. Avoid using too much bleach
Using too much bleach can damage the fibers in your towels, causing them to become rough and scratchy. Instead, use a gentle detergent and wash your towels in warm water to remove any stains or discoloration.
22. Don’t use too much vinegar
Using too much vinegar can cause a buildup of residue on your towels, making them stiff and scratchy. Instead, use 1/2 cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle to keep your towels soft and fluffy.
23. Use a low-sudsing detergent
A low-sudsing detergent can help prevent a buildup of residue on your towels, keeping them soft and fluffy. Look for a detergent that is specifically designed for towels or use a gentle detergent.
24. Don’t use too much detergent
Using too much detergent can cause a buildup of residue on your towels, making them stiff and scratchy. Follow the instructions on the detergent bottle to determine the correct amount to use.
25. Use a wool dryer ball
A wool dryer ball can help fluff up the fibers in your towels, making them soft and fluffy. Additionally, it can help reduce drying time.
26. Hang your towels to dry
Hanging your towels to dry can help prevent them from becoming stiff and scratchy. Additionally, it can help them dry faster, preventing the buildup of bacteria.
27. Avoid using too much heat
Using too much heat can damage the fibers in your towels, causing them to become rough and scratchy. Instead, dry your towels on low heat or hang them outside to air dry.
28. Don’t use too much fabric conditioner
Using too much fabric conditioner can cause a buildup of residue on your towels, making them stiff and scratchy. Instead, use a small amount of fabric conditioner every other wash or use a dryer sheet to achieve the same effect.
29. Wash new towels before using them
New towels can contain residual chemicals from the manufacturing process, which can cause them to become stiff and scratchy. Wash new towels before using them to remove any residual chemicals.
30. Store your towels properly
Storing your towels properly can help prevent them from becoming stiff and scratchy. Fold them neatly and store them in a dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight.