How to Make Towels Soft Again: Easy Tips for Fresh, Fluffy Towels

Sun, Apr 27 2025

Home

Fashion and Style

Business News

Computer and Electronics

Beauty and Fitness

Home and Garden

Internet and Telecom

Science and Technology

Finance Insights

Law and Government

Online Communities

Cryptocurrency Trends

Health

How to Make Towels Soft Again: Easy Tips for Fresh, Fluffy Towels

Tired of rough, stiff towels? Learn how to make towels soft again with easy, proven tips. Discover simple methods using vinegar, baking soda, and better washing habits to revive your towels.

Javed Iqbal

April 17, 2025

4Min Reads

How to Make Towels Soft Again: Easy Tips for Fresh, Fluffy Towels

Fashion and Style

Introduction:

Why Do Towels Get Rough Over Time?

Nothing feels better than wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy towel after a hot shower. But over time, even the highest-quality towels can turn stiff and scratchy. You may wonder, how to make towels soft again without buying new ones. Luckily, the solution is easier than you think!

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons towels lose their softness and share practical, low-cost ways to bring them back to life. You don’t need fancy products—just simple ingredients and better washing habits.

What Causes Towels to Become Stiff and Scratchy?

Before learning how to make towels soft again, it's important to understand what’s making them rough in the first place. Some common reasons include:

Detergent build-up: Using too much detergent or fabric softener leaves residue that stiffens towel fibers.
Hard water: Minerals like calcium and magnesium make it harder to rinse towels properly.
Over-drying: High heat in dryers can damage fibers and cause towels to lose softness.
Improper washing: Not washing towels separately or with too much load can reduce softness.

How to Make Towels Soft Again: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Use Vinegar and Baking Soda

These two kitchen ingredients are magic when it comes to softening towels.

Step 1: Wash towels in hot water with 1 cup of white vinegar (no detergent).

Step 2: Wash them again in hot water, this time with ½ cup of baking soda.

Step 3: Dry as usual—but avoid dryer sheets.

This process helps remove built-up detergent, odors, and hard water minerals. Do this once every few months.

Tip: Always run a rinse cycle between the vinegar and baking soda wash.

2. Wash with Less Detergent

Using more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner towels. In fact, it can cause a residue that makes towels stiff. Use half the recommended amount, especially if you're using high-efficiency machines.

3. Avoid Fabric Softeners

It sounds odd, but fabric softeners do the opposite of what they promise when it comes to towels. They coat fibers and reduce absorbency. If you want to know how to make towels soft again, the answer is to skip the softener!

4. Use Dryer Balls or Tennis Balls

Tossing a few clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls into the dryer helps to fluff towels naturally. They prevent clumping and improve air circulation, which softens towels as they dry.

Bonus Tip: Line drying your towels in the sun occasionally can refresh them too.

5. Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine

When towels don’t have enough space to move around, they don’t rinse well. This means detergent and minerals stay trapped in the fibers. Wash towels in smaller loads for better results.

6. Use Soft Water If Possible

If your home has hard water, installing a water softener can help make towels softer in the long run. Soft water allows detergents to work better and rinses more cleanly.

7. Dry Towels Properly

Don’t over-dry your towels. Use a medium heat setting and remove them as soon as they’re dry. Overheating damages fibers and makes them feel rough.

If you prefer line drying, give them a quick 10-minute spin in the dryer afterward to fluff them up.

8. Try a Commercial Descaler

If natural remedies aren’t enough, you can use a washing machine cleaner or descaler every few months. This removes limescale and residue that affects towel softness.

9. Wash New Towels Before Using

New towels often have a coating that makes them feel soft in the store but less absorbent at home. Always wash new towels 2–3 times before first use to remove this coating.

10. Wash Towels Separately

Don’t wash towels with clothes or linens. Clothes can cause pilling and uneven drying. Towels also need more water to rinse properly, which is easier when they’re washed alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can vinegar damage my towels?

No, white vinegar is gentle on fabric and helps break down detergent residue. Avoid colored vinegar, which may stain.

How often should I deep clean my towels?

Once a month is enough for regular use. If towels are extra stiff, try every two weeks until they improve.

Do towel materials matter?

Yes. 100% cotton towels are the softest and easiest to revive. Microfiber and bamboo towels have different textures and may not respond the same way.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Soft Towels Again

If you’ve been asking yourself how to make towels soft again, now you have the answers. Whether it's reducing detergent, skipping fabric softeners, or using simple household items like vinegar and baking soda, soft towels are just a few steps away.

Soft towels don’t just feel better—they work better too. They dry you faster, feel gentler on the skin, and make your bath time feel like a spa experience. Start using these tips today and feel the difference with every shower.