Tips to keep towels soft and fluffy
Our towels work overtime to make sure our bathroom looks nice, guests are kept clean and that our families are dry and warm after having a hot shower. Before you follow these tips to maintain the softness and fluffiness that comes with a new towel, make sure you invest in a good quality towel that won’t shrink and harden up after a few uses.
1. Wash before first use
However tempting it may be to use your new towel straight from the store, it is important to give it a preliminary wash before first use. A lubricant is applied to the yarn that is used to form the terry loops, which absorb large amounts of water and makes weaving easier. This lubricant requires a wash to be removed. Pre-washing also allows the towel to tighten and hold the terry loops in place. Plus, cleaning it ensure it’s definitely clean before first use.
2. Hold the fabric conditioner
Fabric conditioner does help the softness and smell of towels but don’t go overboard with it. If fabric conditioner is used excessively it can lubricate the towel fibres, causing them to lose their absorbency and eventually fall out.
3. Wash towels at more than 30°C
The ideal temperature to wash your towels in is 40°C water. This is because towels carry a heavy bacteria load and in order for biological detergents to break down body secretions such as sweat, it needs to activate at high temperature.
4. Add white vinegar to the rinse
White vinegar is a great natural solution for breaking down the residue that detergent can leave behind over time. We recommend adding one cup of vinegar once or twice a month to get the job done.
5. Don’t use the dryer
If you have the space to air dry your towels then you definitely should. Air drying will make your towels softer than other drying methods and it’s also the cheapest method. It is a win-win situation.
6. Use a bleach alternative
Although it may be first instinct to reach for bleach when your towels lose their bright white lustre, instead use bicarb soda. Add half a cup of bicarb soda to the washing machine with the detergent of your choice. For best results also use the white vinegar mentioned above. Your towels will become radiant again without damaging the fabric with bleach.
What are your tricks to keeping your towels soft and fluffy? Let us know in the comments below.
To find your bathroom essentials, including towels, head to the Over60 Shop for high-quality offerings.