Bath towel is a must-have in a bathroom. You always want to make your linen closet up-to-date with soft and fluffy towels to make your guests feel comfortable. Regular maintenance of bath towels is very essential if you want to keep them soft and plushy. Towels are used on a daily basis and the fibers of towels can become rough and harsh if you do not wash them properly. It will reduce the absorbency and make your bathing experience disturbing. Hard towels will feel scratchy while drying up your body. If your towels have become harder, you can use some expert tips to make them soft again.
Why do towels lose their softness?
There are many reasons why towels lose their softness:
- Towels are one of the products where quality matters a lot. If you want good quality, you have to pay more. If you use towels made with low-quality fabric, they will become hard after a few uses.
- Towels will also become hard if you do not wash them properly. Blankets and towels have soft fibers and the fibers can get damaged if you wash them without following instructions.
- Another strong reason for towels becoming harder is when you do not dry the towels completely after washing. Damp towels catch bacteria and become hard soon.
How to wash towels to get fluffy towels again?
You may think that washing towels is a simple task, however if you do not wash towels properly, they will lose their softness easily. If your towels have become hard and scratchy, you can make them soft again by following some tricks and tips;
Washing techniques to restore softness:
- You must know the right procedure to wash towels to gain their softness again. You need to know what the right water temperature is, how much time is required for proper cleaning, how to dry them well and how to keep them in a good position.
- It is very crucial to consider the amount of detergent you use in your bath towels. excessive detergent can cause buildup in the towel fibers causing rough texture and making them uncomfortable. You should add less detergent than you use for your regular clothes. It is also recommended to mix the detergent with water before adding it to the towels.
- You should use the best quality detergent to avoid any damaged fibers. It is good to use the detergent that luxury hotels use to get the best results.
Hot wash and cold rinse method:
This method is recommended to get the soft towels again. If your washing machine allows different temperature settings, you must wash your towels in hot water and rinse them with cold water. Hot water will help remove the dirt and the cold water will help refresh the fibers of the towel again. However, the water temperature must not be extremely hot to avoid damaging the fibers.
Using white vinegar:
Vinegar is a very useful compound that is used for a lot of household purposes. It is always asked how to make old towels smell fresh again. Vinegar softens the fibers, eliminates any foul smell and prevents color bleeding. You can add about half a cup of vinegar in laundry towels while rinsing. You can reduce or add to the amount according to the load. When you wash towels with vinegar always remember to not add it directly to the clothes because it has acidic properties. Dilute it in a cup of water and then add it in the softener drawer.
Using baking soda:
Baking soda is also used for various home remedies. You can use it by adding it into a cup of water and then use it as a substitute for fabric softener. Baking soda can be more effective if you wash the towels with vinegar and then use it in the rinse cycle. It will easily eliminate the germs and dirt loosened by the vinegar. Be cautious while using it in colored towels as it can fade the bright colors.
Drying techniques for soft towels:
Drying your towels is a very important process if you want to keep them soft and flurry. If you do not dry them well, they will stay damp and catch germs and dirt. You must consider some important tips while drying the bath towels:
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Shake well:
Shake the towels well after washing them. It helps soften the terry loops to improve absorbency. Shaking them will also help to prevent them from twisting in the dryer. It will also reduce the drying water.
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Dry properly:
Make sure you completely dry the towels before taking them out of the dryer because towels take more time than usual clothes. If the towels are not dried properly, they will catch bacteria and smell. The regular setting for durable fabric to use the most efficient setting to refresh towels.
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Air dry:
It is always recommended to air dry towels at a well-ventilated area to get them completely dried. It will let the air pass through the fibers and dry them properly.
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Dryer balls:
Dryer balls are also used to keep the dying process smooth. They will bounce with the towels and help them dry properly. You can also use clean tennis balls if you do not have particular dryer balls.
Additional tips for softening towels:
People ask how to get towels fluffy again. There are many ways you can revive luxury bath towels.
- It is recommended to wash new towels before use. Some manufacturers use silicon coating on towels to make them look more flurry. It reduces the absorbency of the towels. Washing the towels will remove the coating and make them soft again.
- Wash the towels after every few uses. If you use the towels multiple times without washing, they can catch permanent dirt marks and bacteria. You must wash the towels after every 3-4 uses to keep them soft and plush.
- Always wash the towels separately from usual clothes. It will prevent germ transfer while washing. Washing them separately will also make it easier to adjust the setting.
- While buying towels, choose cotton fabric to get the soft fibers. Avoid towels having ribbons or other decorative items to prevent scratching while using.
Avoiding fabric softeners:
Do not use fabric softeners on towels regularly. Fabric softeners contain harsh chemicals that can damage the fibers of towels. You can use the best fabric conditioner for towels after every 3-4 washes.
Regular maintenance:
Regular care of bathroom towels is very essential in keeping them soft and plush. Washing them properly and drying them well can help you increase the life of your towels. You should also keep them in a perfect position to avoid damaging their fibers.
Fold and hang after drying:
Maintaining bath towels doesn’t end after washing them. It is very important to store them well as well. Do not fold them stiffly to avoid consistent creases. You should not store them one on top of the other. Instead, store them separately to divide the load. It is always recommended to hang the towels after folding them to avoid catching any dampness or load. Also, do not stack them on a hanging rack to prevent stress on the bottom towel.
FAQ:
Q: How often should I wash my towels to maintain their softness?
ANS: You must wash the towels after every 3 to 4 uses to maintain their softness and plush. Do not wash them after every use.
Q: How long does it take for towels to become soft again after using the suggested method?
ANS: It depends on the method you use to make them soft again. The condition of the towels also matters. If you use the washing techniques properly and use vinegar and baking soda method, you can get them soft again after 2 to 3 washes.
Q: Does fabric softener make towels less absorbent?
ANS: Yes, fabric softeners contain harsh chemicals that can be damageable for towel fibers. It is recommended to use good quality fabric softeners after 3 or 4 washes.
Q: Can vinegar really help keep towels soft, and how should it be used?
ANS: Vinegar is a natural compound, used in many homemade remedies. It is believed to be really helpful for making rough towels soft again. You can use the vinegar mixed with a cup of water to the bath towels. It will help them stay soft and smell fresh.
Q: How to make towels soft again without a dryer?
ANS: You can dry the towels in the sunlight after washing. The sun rays will quick up the drying process and also kill any remaining bacteria. It will air out the dampness and make the fibers soft.
Q: Can I use fabric softeners to make my towels soft again?
ANS: Fabric softener only provides temporary softness because it leaves the residue on the fabric. However, it will damage the fibers over time and will make your bath towels rough. So, it is always recommended to avoid fabric softeners for washing towels.
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