Bring your scratchy towels back to life with these simple tips.

Is there anything better than wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy towel after a relaxing soak in the tub? This feeling isn’t so strong when the towel you’re reaching for is stiff and rough. 

Luckily, it’s easy to revitalize your towels with products you likely already have in your home. Here’s how to do it.

What makes towels stiff?

There are a variety of reasons why your bath towels lose their softness and flexibility. Detergent or softener residue is typically the number one culprit. Since towels are super absorbent, they’re prone to soaking up and retaining extra soap, leaving them with a rough, scratchy texture. 

Friction in the washing machine or mineral buildup could also be to blame. 

How to make towels soft again 

A household cleaning staple, white vinegar is a cost-effective way to soften your linens. Instead of traditional fabric softeners—which can be initially effective but tend to cause silicone-based buildup—try adding a cup of vinegar to your rinse cycle. The natural product will break down soap residue and loosen up fibres for a softer feel. 

We recommend running your towels through an additional rinse cycle to ensure the vinegar is completely out. Repeat this process every six weeks or so to prevent hardening. 

4 tips to keep towels fluffy

Once you’ve brought your favourite towels back to life, consistency is key to keep them that way. Here’s how to do it.

1. Avoid too much detergent 

Towel dreams aside, using too much detergent is a common laundry mistake that can not only turn fabrics scratchy, but is a waste of money and product. Use a small amount of detergent to avoid soap buildup. 

2. Overcrowding your washing machine 

Give your clothes and towels enough space to be properly washed and rinsed. Most experts suggest not filling your machine more than three-quarters to the top.

3. Dry towels on low heat

Using a tumble dry setting may seem like a speedy way to dry your towels, but the high heat can actually damage the fibres. Use low heat or air dry your towels for optimum softness. 

4. Shake before drying 

Give your wet towels a good shake to loosen up the fibres before you throw them in the dryer. This helps fluff them up for an extra-plush towel.

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