Soft, fluffy towels are the joy of every household. But over time, they lose their softness, become gray, hard and sometimes even smell unpleasant. Many people wonder how to wash towels so that they are soft even after many washes. The answer is not difficult if you know a few important principles and avoid common mistakes. In this article, we will look at how to properly approach washing towels so that you can enjoy them for a long time.
At White-Uklid, we often see that even otherwise careful households wash towels improperly. In fact, poor washing is the most common reason why towels are hard, lose absorbency and smell bad. Whether you are a mother who takes care of the daily operation of the household, or an apartment tenant who wants to keep their laundry in top condition, this article is here for you. We'll show you proven tips on how to wash towels so they stay like new.
How to wash towels so they're soft and fluffy
The key to success is the right temperature and the choice of the right detergent. If you are wondering how to wash towels to make them soft, forget about fabric softener. It leaves a pleasant scent, but it also coats the fibers with a silicone film that impairs absorbency and strengthens the fabric. Instead, use a regular washing gel without softeners and wash the towels ideally at 60 °C, which will remove bacteria as well as sweat and soap residues.
The dosage also plays a big role. Too much detergent causes residues to settle in the fibers, making the towels hard. Less is more — and if you can, choose to rinse twice. After washing, remove the towels from the washing machine immediately and let them dry freely, preferably in the air. A dryer is a great helper if you set it to a low temperature — it will restore the softness of towels.
Washing Towels: What to Watch Out for During Every Cycle
Towels require their own washing regimen. They should not be mixed with other laundry, especially clothes that contain zippers or hooks. These can damage the towels. It is best to wash them separately, not only for mechanical wear, but also for hygiene reasons — towels come into contact with the body, sweat, and bacteria, and deserve special care.
Regularity is key. Even if a towel looks clean, bacteria and detergent residue accumulate in it. Ideally, wash towels every 4-5 uses. For colored towels, use color-safe detergent to prevent fading. White towels will benefit from occasional washing with baking soda or citric acid — it will keep them bright and fresh.
How to wash towels and dishcloths — the differences you need to know
Although it may sound similar, towels and dishcloths should be washed separately. Dishcloths often contain heavier dirt — from oil, food, or chemicals, which could transfer odors or residue to the towels if washed together. How to wash towels and dishcloths correctly? Separately, on different programs and at different temperatures.
Wash dishcloths at a higher temperature, ideally 90 °C, to remove all grease. Towels, on the other hand, do not require such a high temperature — 60 °C is quite sufficient. If you have hard water at home, add vinegar or salt to the wash, which softens the water and prevents minerals from settling in the fibers.
How to wash towels naturally and without unnecessary chemicals
Not everyone wants to use commercial detergents. The good news is that there are a number of ways to wash towels without chemicals. Add half a cup of baking soda or white vinegar to the washing machine drum — it will remove odors, soften the water, and disinfect at the same time. This method is ideal for sensitive skin or households with small children.
Natural washing is not only gentle on towels, but also on the environment. Don't underestimate the choice of temperature — even with ecological washing, the temperature should be at least 40–60 ° C to truly remove bacteria. Additionally, if you dry your towels outside in the sun, you will also benefit from the natural disinfecting effects of UV radiation.
