Expert shares best way to keep towels 'soft' and 'absorbent' - and major mistake

09 February 2023 , 11:19

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The expert shares how to keep your towels soft and fluffy (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

If you find your once-fluffy towels always end up stiff and scratchy no matter the drying method you use, the problem could be how you wash them. An expert has revealed towels can lose their softness over time as detergent residue builds up in the fabric.

Luckily, there's steps you can take to ensure your towels are fresh and 'absorbent' for when you get out of the shower, according to the Express.

Talking to the publication, Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap revealed there's a right way to wash your towels - and a common laundry mistake lots of people make.

There's a right way and wrong way to wash your laundry (stock photo) (Getty Images)

First things first, you need to take care not to overload your washer. The pro explained: "When starting a towel wash, it is important to not overload the machine so that each towel is rinsed properly.

"For the average size washing machine, a load of seven bath towels is about the maximum you should wash at any one time. For hygiene reasons, make sure to use hot water and a normal washing cycle to get rid of any germs."

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Next, make sure you select the best wash for your load. While some machines may have a quick wash option, it is advised to avoid this when washing towels and bedding. Equally, you should avoid using too much detergent in the machine.

Deyan said: "One common mistake is using too much detergent in towel washes. Try and use a little less detergent than normal, as when towels are overloaded with detergent, they become stiff and scratchy due to built up soapy residue."

Instead, he recommends using white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to soften towels. "Both common household ingredients can be used separately as ways to transform rough towels to soft ones," Deyan explained. "Simply add 250ml of white vinegar to the washing machine drum alongside the liquid detergent you normally use, and dry as normal. "The vinegar gets rid of detergent build up, making the towels as fluffy as the day you bought them."

He added: "You can also use bicarbonate of soda to make your towels soft and fluffy. Mix eight tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with your laundry detergent before putting it in the washing machine to help loosen up the towel fibres and get rid of any dirt, keeping your towels as good as new."

Sharing further advice, the pro explained how often you should wash your towels. "In some cases, towels should be washed after every use - for example, if you've used one at the gym to mop up sweat, or if you have sensitive skin. You should also make sure to let your towel dry fully after every use to prevent germs."

If you don't need to wash your towel as regularly, it is still important to clean it after three uses to remove bacteria, according to the pro.

Finally, he turned his attention to the matter of tumble dryers. "If you have a tumble dryer, the best setting is the regular one that you use for other long lasting fabrics. This will use the highest heat and be most effective, as well as maximising fluffiness. However, be careful to avoid over-drying your towels, as this can ruin the quality of the cotton fibres," Deyan advised.

Amber O'Connor