The simple joy of wrapping yourself in regal soft, and plush towels after a shower is a soothing and warming experience. But we often feel the utter disappointment of stiff and hard towels after washing since we can not afford new towels each time.
So, have you ever thought about how to keep towels soft?
Of course, it is a quest everyone is finding an answer for. Worry not. You are at the right place. This article is all about how to keep towels soft and fluffy again. It will educate you on what usual practices impair the regal softness of towels that must be stopped instantly.
So, let's start the journey of getting back the white fluffy towels again.
Reasons to Hard Towel After Washing
You might wonder, “Why are my towels hard after washing”?
We often don’t heed minor practices that affect the softness of hotel quality white towels. This is why we turn our soft plus towels into hard and stiff ones. Therefore, it is necessary to surface those reasons which affect the durability and softness of the towel.
Using Chlorine Bleach with Wash
While bleach is good to whiten towels, the excessive use of chlorine bleach to wash kitchen towels or other forms affects the weave quality of towels. The bleach also reduces the natural oil within the weave thread turning your hotel quality white towels hard.
Residual Detergent
When we stuff too many towels and clothes in a machine, we often end up with residual detergent deposited within the fibers. This residual detergent not just limits the softness but also causes discoloration. Therefore it is necessary to clear all detergent properly while washing the towels to prevent them from turning hard.
Too Much Fabric Softeners
Though fabric softeners are meant to retain the towel’s softness, the excessive use of fabric softeners can impair the softness due to the waxy residue they leave every time after a wash, which limits the towel's absorbency.
Not Using Enough Water
It is one common mistake that we make while washing microfiber towels. We either do not use enough water while washing or add too many clothes and towels together that end up soaking. The less water in the machine results in friction among the towels due to rubbing that turns soft towels into hard ones.
Frequent Washing
Towel washing should be done in balance. Washing them too many results in the loss of softness, while not washing them frequently builds up dirt and products that end up towel wear out.
How to Refresh Towels
Since you know the common mistakes you have in bedding with towels, it is time to find how to get towels soft and fluffy again.
Adjust the Use of Detergent
Less is more. Always be conscious of using the moderate or the optimum quantity to keep towels soft. While you might think adding enough detergent can ensure deep and thorough cleansing, it is a no-no for white fluffy towels. Other than quantity, also ensure you are using high-quality detergent.
Opt For A Gentle Cycle
Towels work best on a gentle cycle since it retains softness. High cycle agitates the fiber making them prone to wear and tear. Going for a moderate cycle every time you wash your towels is best. This practice should be a must to keep towels soft and plush.
Deep Clean Occasionally
Not now and then. Instead, it is better to occasionally give your towels a deep cleanse with hot water as it will remove the residuals and regain the regal softness of towels.
Air Fluffing
Towels may be fluffed up in the dryer after being line dried using the 'air fluff' or 'no heat' option. As a result, they may regain some of their softness without enduring the stress of a hot cycle.
Use Filter Water
Hard water is worst for towels and clothing that are naturally soft. Washing them with hard water worsens their natural softness. Therefore, to get towels soft and plush, wash them with filtered water since it is with optimum electrolytes and pH balance.
Avoid Ironing
Ironing might even lower or comb the cotton weave after wash, but ironing impairs the terry loop, ensuring the softness and superior absorbency.
Message with Salt
In early times, people used to soak their towels in salt water overnight to regain the softness of towels. The soaking of towels in salt water also keeps the color intact.
Use Natural Softening Agents
White vinegar and baking soda aren't your only options; you may also use a mixture of water, lemon juice, and Epsom salts. If detergent residues have altered your towel's feel, these natural substances can help.
Other Ways to Keep Towels Soft and Fluff
Washing Towels Temperature
Regarding towel softness, washing towel temperature plays a pivotal role. While oils, filth, and germs may be washed away with hot water, repeated exposure can damage the towel's fibers and leave it rough and worn. In contrast, cold water protects the fibers so that they retain their velvety, soft texture even after many washings. Therefore, the objective is to choose a comfortable temperature, preferably warm. It allows for thorough washing while preserving the towel's plushness and longevity.
Washing Towels With Vinegar And Baking Soda
Towels may be magically revitalized by using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, two of nature's most effective cleaning agents. Baking soda cleans and deodorizes, while vinegar removes stains and revives the towel's natural softness from mineral deposits and detergent residues. They work in tandem to eliminate odors and residues from your towels, keeping them soft and absorbent for longer.
Soften Towels With Ammonia
Ammonia renders an effective alternative to traditional fabric softeners used to soften towels. Ammonia can generally break down hard minerals or detergent residues that turn your towel hard with time. Add one and a half cups of non-sudsy ammonia to the machine's gentle cycle. Beware of adding bleach with ammonia, as it turns out worse and forms harmful fumes. So, skip bleach when opting for ammonia for towel softness. After ammonia wash, your towel turns fluffier, soft, and odor free.
How Do Hotels Keep Towels Soft?
Hotels genuinely have mastered the art of keeping their hotel bathrobes and towels regal soft. One evident practice regularly practiced in hotels is their thorough laundering routines. Instead of using artificial chemical-based towel softeners, hotels wash their towels in vinegar and baking soda.
Another reason hotel towels are extra soft is that they examine the water temperature while washing. They use warm water, which is neither too hot nor cold, for effective cleaning and softness. Besides this, hotels use delicate fabrics for their towels, such as Egyptian or Pima cotton, which naturally have superior softness and withstand frequent washing.
Tips for Keeping Towels Soft When Drying
Now you have learned multiple ways how to keep towels soft and fluff, there's one more thing that equally affects the towel’s softness, i.e., drying of towels; there are specific tips that you need to follow in addition to the consideration during the wash to soften towels which are as follows:
- Don’t let your damp towels stay inside the dryer for too long, as it will result in the growth of molds.
- Make sure your towels are dried adequately before folding bath towels.
- Don't radiator dry your towels as they will dry off them turning them stiff.
- Shake the towels properly before putting them in a dryer so that the fibers get separated to ensure thorough cleaning plus dryness.
How To Keep Towels Soft When Line Drying?
Towels may be dried on a line without losing plush texture with the right approach. This is how to get fluffy towels after drying.
First, ensure all the detergent is washed out since this might cause the cloth to become stiff. Towels must be shaken briskly after washing to restore their loft before being hung. Lay them out flat on the line and avoid creasing by folding them. While drying, you should give them another shake as often as possible. Finally, while natural sunshine disinfects, too much exposure can weaken fibers and make things feel harsh. Towels dried on a clothesline may be just as plush as those dried in a dryer if you take the proper precautions.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Towels Soft and Fluff
Wrapping Up
Just as we do take considerations on how to wash towels, there are several tips to make sure the towels retain its softness just as new. Out of many, using warm water and using vinegar and baking soda to keep towels soft stands out the most effeicient. However, you can also add aloe vera gel to make them more refreshing.