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How to get towels soft and fluffy


How to soften towels and keep them soft – for luxury every day

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Knowing how to soften towels will allow you to create the wonderful feel they had when they were brand new, restoring the pile that spells luxury after a bath or shower.

Regular washing and drying can make the fibers of towels stiff and scratchy, but knowing which washing temperatures to use, how to load the washing machine, and which products to opt for can restore softness to towels, and keep them that way. 

Good laundry room ideas will create a space with everything you need to soften towels and keep them soft for a spa feel at home, and our guide will give you the lowdown.

How to soften towels and keep them soft

Knowing how to soften towels that are no longer a pleasure to use and the methods for retaining their fluffiness will make them kinder on the whole family’s skin. Do bear in mind also that learning how to use towels correctly and buying good quality versions in the first place is important.

 

‘Choose high quality cotton towels to provide absorbency, durability and that coveted cozy texture,' says Lucy Ackroyd, head of design at Christy , inventors of the towel as we know it today. 

'The higher the weight, the more opulent they will feel. I would suggest choosing a towel with a weight of at least 500gsm (grams per sq metre) for the ultimate luxury experience.   

'The most important factor for luxuriously soft towels is the yarn used and you ideally want a high quality cotton spun from long silky fibers. This is why yarns like Egyptian cotton and Supima cotton are so sought after as they guarantee long fibers and, therefore, high quality.   

1. Soften towels with vinegar

(Image credit: Future / Carolyn Barber)

The expert-recommended way to soften towels that have become scratchy is to use vinegar. ‘Throw a cup of white vinegar in your next wash,’ advises textiles expert and CEO of New Sega Home, Brian Delp.

The towels have likely become stiff and scratchy because of the use of fabric softener.

While adding this to the wash might seem like a sound idea, it actually has an adverse effect on towels. ‘The fabric softener can actually build up residue over time. This prevents their absorbency and can cause them to dry out as well as preventing their natural softening from use,’ Brian explains.

Don’t worry if this treatment doesn’t work after just one wash. ‘Depending on how extensive the buildup is, you may have to repeat this step,’ he says.

2. Allow time to soften towels

Fabrics soften over time, and towels are no different, so be patient. ‘Your favorite worn-out T-shirt wasn’t as soft on day one as it is today,’ says Brian Delp. ‘Assuming that your towels are cotton, linen, or some other natural fiber, they will get softer with each wash.’

3. How to use the washing machine to keep towels soft

In order to keep them soft, it’s important to wash towels the right way. The general rule? ‘Make sure to wash your towels separately to your other laundry to avoid any color or fibers transferring on to your beautiful pristine towels,’ says Lucy Ackroyd.

 

Want to wash towels with clothes or wash sheets and towels together? It is possible to create a mixed load if you need to in order to save energy, but to keep towels at their fluffiest, keeping them separate is the best strategy.

Bear in mind, too, that new towels shouldn’t be washed with those you already own. ‘Mixing brand new and seasoned towels can lead to the transfer of color between different fabrics,’ says Lily Cameron, cleaning supervisor at Fantastic Cleaners .

To keep towels soft, it’s also crucial not to overload the washing machine. ‘The towels need plenty of room within the drum to breathe and circulate, allowing them to be rinsed and fluffed up properly,’ says Lucy. ‘If you try to stuff too many in, you’ll end up with a clumped-together heap with moisture pockets throughout, leading to scratchy, stiff towels.’

How much is too much? ‘A typical front-loading washing machine can hold around seven bath towels, and a top-loading machine can hold around 10,’ says Bonnie Fisher of Better World Apparel , which works to bring awareness about increasing products’ life cycles.

4. Use the right amount of detergent

Cleaning tips on keeping towels soft include not adding too much detergent to the wash, which can mean it’s not thoroughly removed during the rinse cycle. ‘Cut back on your detergent,’ says Jessica Samson from Maids.com . ‘Using too much detergent can stiffen your towels up and take away their softness.’

To keep towels fluffy, Lucy Ackroyd is a fan of eucalyptus-based detergent. ‘Not only will this leave them smelling super fresh, the eucalyptus will also protect the fibers of the towel and ensure the colors stay bright and fresh,’ she says.

Thinking of using bleach? ‘Yes, bleach can remove the stains on white towels, but it can also make the colors fade and even cause permanent damage to the fabrics, destroying the towels,’ says Lily Cameron.

5. Skip the fabric softener

Along with too much detergent, as we noted above, fabric softener can make towels scratchy so skip it entirely or cut back to keep towels feeling soft.

 

‘If you are using a fabric softener, only use a small amount as overuse of softeners and conditioners will build up over time, leaving towels feeling slick and non-absorbent,’ says Lucy Ackroyd.

6. Perfect the wash temperature 

For soft, fluffy towels, pay attention to the wash temperature, checking the laundry symbols on the labels of all towels before they go into the machine. ‘Each towel is different and requires different treatment,’ says Jessica Samson. ‘Be sure to read the label before washing so that you can maximize the effectiveness of the wash and prevent ruining the towel.’

7. Shake towels out to maintain softness

(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)

Shaking your towels is a simple, quick step in your washing routine that can have a huge impact on their softness.

'First, before you put your towels in the washing machine, give them a good shake. This will open up the fibers slightly, allowing the detergent to sink inside every pore and make them super clean,’ says Lucy Ackroyd.

Shake again for maximum softness. ‘At the end of the drying cycle, or before hanging them outside if you are line drying, shake the towels a second time,’ says Lucy. ‘The act of shaking will loosen the fibers of the fabric, making your towels super plush and fluffy.’

8. Mix up your drying methods 

(Image credit: Future / Mark Luscombe-Whyte)

To keep towels soft don’t dry them on radiators if you heat your home this way; this will lead to a rough finish, exactly what you are trying to avoid.

‘Alternate between tumble drying and line drying,’ advises Lucy Ackroyd. ‘The best way to get super fluffy towels is tumble drying immediately after a wash, however overuse can make the fabric wear down over time.  

'To combat the effect of the tumble dryer, line dry your towels occasionally. Not only does line drying leave your towels with a fresh natural scent, but the sunlight can also have a bleaching effect which is perfect if you have white towels. The UV rays can even help kill bacteria.

’

9. Store for success 

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lewis)

Once you’ve perfected the washing and drying routine, the final step in keeping towels soft is storing them correctly. When thinking about how to design a bathroom, factor in suitable storage for towels, such as shelving or cabinets. Or perhaps even a towel rack or rail.

To store, you can roll towels, which can be space saving, or fold towels. ‘Rather than folding your towels one on top of the other, as many people do, try neatly folding them side by side instead,’ suggests Lucy Ackroyd. ‘This simple storage hack will prevent the bottom towels from being crushed which can lead to them losing that plush, full effect that you have achieved.  

‘If you prefer to store your towels on a towel rack or ladder shelf, you should also avoid placing them on top of each other. Again, this will flatten the bottom ones, leaving them stiff and flat.’

Add a few drops of lavender or other essential oil to towels before storing to keep them smelling gorgeous.

Why are my towels hard and scratchy?

A combination of factors makes towels hard and scratchy, including the use of fabric softeners, and an excess of detergent. But another reason could be the hard water in your area. ‘Hard water is water that contains minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which makes cleaning your clothes more difficult,’ explains Corey Trojanowski of ARS/Rescue Rooter . And the same goes for towels.

A water softener can help – and prevent limescale buildup in the washing machine and other appliances – but otherwise, try using a cup of white vinegar in the washing machine to soften towels.

How do you soften towels after line drying?

To soften towels after line drying, put them into the dryer briefly. ‘We suggest tossing them in the dryer for a quick “no-heat” fluff if they feel a little stiff,’ says Bonnie Fisher. This will still bring the benefits of line drying and reduces energy bills compared to a full drying cycle. 

Otherwise, you actually need to take action before putting the towels on the line.

Shake them first, which will keep the towels softer by loosening the fibers before they begin drying.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

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The Secret to Soft, Fluffy Towels

There’s nothing like the freshness and softness of a new towel. Each time you bring one home, there’s the hope that it will never become frayed, stiff and dull.

There’s so much potential…but the truth is, without some effort, that new towel is destined for the land of visible wear and tear. How do you keep it soft and fluffy? If you think the secret lies in loading up on fabric softener, you may be barking up the wrong tree. In reality, a few simple changes can make a big difference for your towels. Keep reading for details…

*Photos and styling by Kate Simmons for Decoist

Add Vinegar to Your Wash

The soft, plush quality of new towels can be compromised by the over-use of laundry detergent. And fabric softener! Over time, these laundry substances build up on towels, causing them to stiffen. How do you strip away caked-on detergent?…

By adding vinegar to the rinse cycle! Distilled white vinegar, to be exact. One cup is all it takes. Seriously, skip the fabric softener and opt for vinegar, which will strip away the built-up detergent and restore the towels’ softness.

Another idea: try skipping the detergent altogether and simply use vinegar instead from time to time.

You can even pour the vinegar directly over the towels before starting the wash cycle. After all, we often use way more detergent than needed. About that…

Practice Good Laundry Habits

When it comes to doing laundry, it’s easy to operate on automatic pilot. We fill the cap to the brim with detergent, we pile in as many items as we can, then we transfer them to the dryer and blast them with heat. By paying more attention to how we launder our towels, we can prolong their life.

Use less detergent. This means using less than the recommended dose on purpose! Give your towels some room in the washer rather than cramming in as many as possible. Less is more. If you tumble dry your towels, don’t blast them on high heat. In fact, consider line drying your towels from time to time to spare them the harshness of life in the dryer! Yes, it takes more time to make these changes. But nobody said keeping towels soft was easy!

Use Baking Soda

In addition to changing your laundry habits and adding vinegar to the wash, you can incorporate baking soda into your laundry routine! It has a similar cleansing and softening effect to vinegar, and it also has the benefit of being an odor remover.

In other words, it’s a win-win!

To get the job done, add half a cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle. If you’ve already washed your towels with vinegar, you can even rewash them using the baking soda instead of detergent. Simply pour the baking soda over the towels and go!

A Trick for Fluffing Towels

So you’re good to go on the softness, but how about the fluff?! Have you heard of the tennis ball trick? Adding one CLEAN ball to the dryer will help fluff your towels. The extra motion created by the tennis ball is the key.

But if you’ve ever opened up a pack of new tennis balls, you may have noticed that they can have a strong smell…which you might not want to transfer to your towels. If you prefer, you can purchase some dryer balls (like these) that are made especially for softening laundry, improving airflow in the dryer, and reducing static.

Are you ready to try these towel tricks at home? While no one thing will restore a worn-out towel to its original softness, over time these practices can make a difference and preserve the softness and fluffy-ness of a towel that still has some life in it! Then you can turn your attention to the fun stuff…like infusing your powder room with spa style!

 

Kate Simmons is a freelance writer and design blogger with a love of all things decor.
She spent her childhood writing stories and working on interior design-themed DIY projects. Kate’s published writing reflects her special interest in how design has changed through the decades. Her blog Mirror80 ( http://mirror80.com/) explores the fashion and [...]

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How to make towels soft after washing

Any textile, including terry towels, requires careful care. A new product will retain softness and elasticity for a long time if it is washed, dried and ironed correctly. Otherwise, even an expensive high-quality thing can quickly turn into a hard, washed-out rag. If, after drying, the towel has become rough and prickly, does not absorb moisture well and literally "is worth a stake", you should not be very upset and immediately send the item to the scrap. There are several ways to restore the original appearance of the product and return the softness lost after washing.

Why does terry cloth get rough

In addition to its advantages, terry cloth also has disadvantages - it takes a long time to dry and becomes rough over time.

Terry cloth is the most commonly used for bath towels. Due to the loose structure, soft long pile, natural composition, various density, this type of fabric has unique properties that distinguish it from other materials. Due to the large surface of the villi, terry towels perfectly absorb water and massage the body, have a lasting color, and do not cause allergies.

However, terry cloth has its drawbacks:

Terry towels can be washed either in the machine or by hand. The main thing is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the product label. Roughening of the fabric after washing occurs for the following reasons:

In addition, the wear resistance of textiles directly depends on the quality of the fabric - the denser the pile, the longer the towels will remain soft and fluffy.

How to make a towel softer

A towel will become softer if you add a little salt to the powder when washing.

If, after washing, the towel has become so rough that it cannot be used for its intended purpose, urgent measures must be taken to restore the structure of the material. This can be done in the following ways:

  1. A hard-feeling towel is immersed in cold water and soaked for 12 hours.
    Then the product is rinsed in warm water and, after slightly squeezing out excess moisture, hang out to dry. Water will dissolve and remove the smallest particles of powder that have lingered between the fibers of the terry cloth after the main rinse. As a result, the towel will become more fluffy and pleasant.
  2. Cooking (better sea) salt will help correct the situation. When machine washing, it is added to the powder and the products are washed in a delicate mode. In manual cleaning, salt is used during rinsing. Salt crystals are dissolved in a container with warm water at the rate of 1 tbsp. l. per 1 liter of water and thoroughly rinse the towels in saline solution. Soaking for several hours in a solution prepared from sea salt and water, taken in a proportion of 3 tbsp, helps to restore the original appearance of terry textiles. l. powder per 1 liter of liquid.
  3. With the help of tea soda, terry towels damaged by improper washing can be restored. To do this, they must be soaked for 1 hour in a soda solution (3 tablespoons of soda per 1 liter of water) and then rinsed well in clean cool water.
    When machined, baking soda can be added to the conditioner compartment and an additional rinse can be carried out. This will not only soften the fibers of the material, but also remove stubborn stains and unpleasant odors.
  4. Dry hard towel can be steamed. This is easiest to do with a steam generator or a regular iron.

The methods listed above will allow you to revive damaged towels, although this will require a lot of time and effort. To save yourself from unnecessary work, you must be able to properly wash and dry terry cloth products.


How to wash and dry towels

Do not overdry towels.

In order for bath towels to serve for a long time and always remain as if they were just bought in a store, you need to know a few secrets and do not forget about them when starting the next wash.

Important! Terry towels should never be boiled.

If the product has difficult soiling, they must be removed with a stain remover or other suitable product before washing.

When washing fluffy bath towels, many housewives use special rubber balls that are placed in the drum of the machine along with dirty clothes. The balls rotate with the laundry, breaking the fibers and preventing the items from bunching up.

Wring out terry cloth products at a low speed. If it is possible to dry clothes outside, you can not wring out the towels at all, but just let the water drain spontaneously and hang them up to dry. Without excessive twisting, the terry will only become softer.

Dry bath towels both in a vertical position, hanging on a rope, and in a horizontal position, spreading out on a flat surface. It is better to hang clothes on the street or on the balcony, as terry cloth loves fresh air, and the thing dried in this way acquires not only softness, but also a pleasant smell. The main thing is not to dry out the towels by hanging them under the scorching sun.

By following the rules for washing and drying terry cloth products, you can keep your towels in good shape for several years, enjoy their softness and feel comfortable.


How to make towels soft after washing in a washing machine

Today, housewives who have a home assistant - an automatic machine, have practically forgotten what hand washing is. Modern washing machines have a large number of special modes that allow you to wash even things that require special care. A towel is a common household item that needs frequent cleaning. Most users throw it into the drum along with the rest of the laundry and run the economy wash. This results in a loss of softness of the towels. Is it possible to wash products in the machine, while maintaining the initial properties of the fabric? How to make towels soft, let's talk below.

Making the towel soft

To keep towels that touch the skin daily pleasant to the touch, it is necessary to properly monitor them.

Terry cloth is quite capricious and requires a special, careful attitude during washing. Here are some basic tips to help you properly wash your terry towel in an automatic washing machine.

  1. It is best to use liquid washing gel, such a detergent will maintain splendor, will not allow the villi to deform.
  2. Towels are recommended to be washed on modes that involve full filling of the drum with water and heating the liquid to 40°C - 60°C. After the main program, turn on "Extra Rinse".
  3. Load the balls used for washing down outerwear into the drum with the laundry - they will agitate the fibers, preventing them from caking.
  4. It is best not to use fabric softeners and bleaches when washing towels. Means are not washed out well enough from terry fibers, deform the villi.

It is advisable not to iron garments completely, or to smooth them with hot steam, hanging the towel on a rope, or holding it up.

Another reason why towels lose their softness is hard water used in washing. Everyone knows that in most regions of Russia, water of inadequate quality runs in water pipes, therefore, in order to preserve the laundry being washed, experts recommend installing filters either at the entrance to the apartment or in front of the inlet hose of the washing machine. Such a measure will avoid the formation of scale and sediment on the details of the machine, as well as give softness to the towels.

If it is not possible to install a filter, soften the water with proven products: salt, baking soda, vinegar solution. Along with the splendor of the terry pile, they also guarantee the maintenance of the color of the product.

Why does the fabric become stiffer after washing?

After some time of using a terry towel, you can notice that the fibers of the product have become less fluffy, compacted and slightly lost their shape. This can be easily explained by the following mistakes made by housewives:

Experts warn that the fabric should only be smoothed with hot steam.

If you avoid the above mistakes and try to maintain the quality of the product from the very beginning, so that it is soft and fluffy, you can avoid turning a nice towel into a “hard” fabric.

The best fabric softeners

At a time when the market was not full of different means for washing all sorts of fabrics, housewives had to invent their own ways to make towels soft. Such methods proved to be so effective that they are still used today.

  1. Salt. Softens fabric well. You can use both ordinary table salt and a special one designed for automatic machines. You can pour the product into the washer tray, for this 3 tbsp. spoons of salt are mixed with the powder, or pour saline (the same three spoons diluted in 200 ml of water) directly into the tank.
  2. Vinegar. 0.5 cup of 9% vinegar solution is poured into the conditioner tray.
    After washing in the washing machine, fluffy towels will be very soft. Additionally, vinegar will help to cope with unpleasant odors.
  3. Soda. Three Art. spoons of the product are poured into the washing drum. The baking soda will help soften the hard water in the system.
  4. Vinegar plus soda. 0.5 cups of nine percent vinegar are poured into the rinse aid tray, half a cup of soda into the drum of the unit. Especially this method of softening is suitable for washing light-colored products - soda with vinegar will also cause a whitening effect.

It is also possible to make a special homemade towel rinse. In a container, a glass of water, the same amount of baking soda and six glasses of nine percent vinegar are mixed. Wait for the frothing process to complete and pour another six cups of water into the container. To give the conditioner an aroma, drop it into a solution of essential oil (peach, grape, etc.). The mixture made is used instead of store-bought rinse if necessary.

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