There’s nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a bit of luxury right after a perfect bath or shower. The water temperature was spot on, you feel invigorated, and step out on the perfectly warm stone bath mat or a plush cotton one. The perfect ending is to feel that plush, fluffy, natural fabric on your skin that keeps you warm and dries your body off.
But what to do if that goes away? What to do when that perfect texture starts losing its softness? When things start to break or lose some of their original properties, the normal reaction is to replace them. Buy a new one. But there might be a better way.
You can make your towels soft (and great) again, believe it or not.
But it depends. So, how can you tell if it’s too late for your luxury towel set?
Why Do Bath Towels Lose Their Softness?
Answering a question with another question is not how it usually goes, but it’s important to understand what happens. Why does your towel lose its softness in the first place…?
There can be quite a few reasons for that. First of all, we have to understand that wear and tear has no mercy, and it affects every single thing we own. We wash our towels to do their job properly – to dry our bodies, and keep things clean and hygienic. But just like clothes, every single wash puts a strain on them. And honestly, there’s nothing we can do about it.
Nevertheless, it’s a good starting point – taking a closer look at our laundry habits. Here are some common mistakes:
- Wrong Temperature: It’s an easy one, really. Make sure you always check the label before washing your towels. High temperatures can weaken and damage the fibres, especially when it comes to natural cotton, organic cotton or bamboo towels. Damaged fibres may shrink, and lose their properties, also including softness, absorbency, and original colours.
- Low Quality: You’re definitely not responsible for the quality but you are for buying one. Nobody’s blaming you for making the wrong call with all the marketing gimmicks, half-truths, and wrong information flying around. But you do have to deal with the aftermath nonetheless. There are different tiers of cotton and all the other natural fabrics. The label may say cotton but the manufacturers often cut corners using double-ply loop yarn. It all comes to this - you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for eco-friendly options, always look for certificates, like GOTS. Other than that, Egyptian or Supima cotton both offer plenty of value.
- Too Much Detergent: We should always go easy with the detergent but when it comes to towels – it’s even more important. When overused, it sticks to the fibres causing build-up – which is very bad for absorbency and the texture. They absorb less and less water and feel rougher with every wash. A pretty good rule of thumb for a high-efficiency machine is to add two tablespoons of detergent for a full load of towels.
- Overstuffing: That’s a big one – leave some room in your washing machine. Bamboo bath sheets or a foot towel – it doesn’t matter. Bulky items like that need enough space to properly soak, rinse and spin. Add too much detergent to that equation and you get even more buildup. So, even though it may sound like an efficient use of your washing machine, it’s not – at least for your towels.
- Hard Water: Water with a high calcium and magnesium content makes towels scratchy and rough. A solution for that is not exactly cheap but it’s getting more popular nonetheless. It’s investing in water softeners. There are other, home-grown methods, but they can’t solve potential plumbing issues or the problem of hard water being used in your washing machine.
- Improper Washing: We did mention overstuffing, but it’s a bit more complex than that. This fine art of towel washing requires the right balance – too much is bad, but so is too little. The issue is that when there’s too much space, the fibres in the towel may break down faster. Another big thing is not washing them separately from other laundry.
- Improper Drying: Yes, it is possible to dry wrong. Tumble drying is a great feature, as towels are ready to use almost right away. Unfortunately, what it also does is wear down and damage the fabric more quickly. So that convenience comes at a cost – and it’s the lifespan of your towels.
If you avoid or counteract these mistakes, you’re already saving your towels a lot of trouble.
Why It’s a Problem
You may be thinking – what’s the big deal? So, what if my towels don’t feel quite as soft as they used to? That lost softness is an indicator of more trouble to come, unfortunately. This means your towel is less absorbent, and that in turn means it cannot do its job properly. This is especially true for large bath towels, which are designed to provide maximum comfort and coverage. When these towels lose their softness, they not only become less functional but also detract from the overall bathroom experience. Initially, it’s not too bad, but over time, these towels are pretty much spent. And it’s time to get a new one. A vicious cycle.
Making Your Towels Soft Again
But enough about the problems – let’s focus on some solutions. The truth of the matter is that you can make your towels soft again. Proper care and maintenance of all towel types, including face cloths and hand towels, are essential to ensure their softness and longevity. Here’s the blueprint:
1. Wash at Lower Temperatures
Repeatedly washing towels at high temperatures can weaken the cotton fibres, and make them rough and less absorbent. Stick to washing at 30–40°C (86–104°F) to maintain their integrity while still making sure they’re fresh and clean.
2. Use White Vinegar (or Baking Soda) to Remove Buildup
As we mentioned, hard towels often result from chemical buildup, including detergent residue and minerals from tap water. This issue is especially common with face cloths and hand towels, which are used several times daily for cleansing and drying. To remedy this, add about one cup (230 ml) of white vinegar to your wash cycle to break down these residues and refresh your towels. You can also use baking soda.
3. Limit Fabric Softener Use
Fabric softeners can coat towel fibres, reducing their absorbency and making them feel stiff over time. Instead, wash with detergent only and reserve softeners for special occasions; treat it as a luxury to "moisturise" your towels a bit.
4. Dry with Care
Avoid direct heat for drying – it’s too harsh on the fabric. Instead, try:
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Air Drying: Hang towels outside for fresh air and natural fluffing.
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Tumble Drying: Use a low heat setting and remove the towels while they’re still slightly damp to preserve softness. Give them a good shake before storing to fluff the fibres.
5. Shake Them Out
After drying, shake your towels vigorously to wake up the fibres and fluff the loops. Ensure they’re fully dry before storing to avoid dampness, which can lead to musty odours.
When All Else Fails
There you have it – you now know how to make towels soft again. If your towels are still rough after all this hard work, this means one thing - the fibres might be worn out beyond repair.
In that case, it’s time to invest in a new set and treat them with proper care from the start. Look for a better way this time, like organic cotton ribbed towels, or luxurious fabrics like Egyptian cotton.
Remember – quality beats lower price in the long run!
Towel Care – FAQ
How do you soften rough towels with vinegar?
White vinegar is excellent for breaking down detergent and mineral buildup that can make towels rough. Add one cup (230 ml) of white vinegar to your washing machine’s rinse cycle (instead of fabric softener) and run a regular wash. This will refresh the fibre and restore softness. For extremely rough towels, you can soak them in a mixture of warm water and vinegar for an hour before washing.
Is baking soda or vinegar better for softening towels?
Both baking soda and vinegar are effective, but they work in slightly different ways. Baking soda is ideal for balancing the water’s pH and neutralising odours, while vinegar excels at removing detergent and mineral buildup. Using them in combination—baking soda in the wash and vinegar in the rinse cycle—can yield the best results for softening towels.
Why do towels lose their softness?
Towels lose their softness due to several factors, including detergent buildup, over-drying, improper washing, and exposure to hard water. Over time, these issues can weaken fibres, reduce absorbency, and make the fabric feel rough.
Should you soak towels in vinegar?
Yes, soaking towels in vinegar is a great way to refresh them. Fill a tub or basin with warm water, add one cup (230 ml) of white vinegar, and let the towels soak for 30–60 minutes. This pre-treatment helps break down stubborn residue before washing them as usual.
Why are my towels stiff after air drying?
Air-dried towels can feel stiff because the fibres tend to compact when dried slowly. To combat this, shake the towels vigorously after they’ve dried to fluff the fibres. Alternatively, you can air dry them most of the way and finish with a short tumble in the dryer on low heat for a softer feel.
Can I mix vinegar and baking soda in the washing machine?
It’s not recommended to mix vinegar and baking soda at the same time in the washing machine because they neutralise each other, and the effectiveness of both goes out the window. Instead, use baking soda in the wash cycle and vinegar in the rinse cycle for optimal results.
Does salt soften towels?
Yes, but not a regular one. Epsom salt can help soften towels, particularly new ones. Add about half a cup of salt to the wash cycle with your detergent. Salt works by loosening fibres and removing residue, leaving towels feeling softer. However, this method is best used occasionally to avoid excessive wear on the fabric. For ongoing care, vinegar or baking soda might be more effective solutions for maintaining softness over time.
