Few things feel better than stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy towel. But over time, towels often lose their plush feel and turn stiff, scratchy, or even musty. If your towels no longer feel like they did when you first bought them, don’t rush to replace them just yet. The problem usually lies in how they’re being washed and dried.
The Real Reason Towels Get Rough
Towels lose softness for a few simple but overlooked reasons:
- Detergent buildup: Using too much detergent leaves residue trapped in the fibers.
- Fabric softener overload: Ironically, softeners coat towels with waxy layers that reduce absorbency and softness.
- Hard water minerals: In places with hard water, like London, calcium and magnesium cling to fibers, making them stiff.
- Over-drying: Too much time in the dryer bakes towels, causing rough textures.
Once you know what’s behind the stiffness, fixing it becomes easy.
The Quick Fix: Stripping Towels
One of the fastest ways to revive old towels is a method called laundry stripping. This involves soaking towels in hot water with washing soda, borax, and detergent to pull out years of buildup. After stripping, towels often feel and look brand-new.
For anyone battling hard water and constant laundry in London, stripping every few months is a game-changer.
Everyday Tips to Keep Towels Soft
Wash With Less Detergent
Towels don’t need as much soap as regular laundry. A half dose is often enough. More detergent just means more residue.
Skip Fabric Softener
It might make towels smell nice at first, but long term it kills softness. Use white vinegar in the rinse cycle instead—it naturally breaks down detergent buildup and softens fibers.
Avoid Overloading the Machine
Towels need space to move freely in the wash. Overstuffing traps detergent and prevents thorough rinsing.
Shake Before Drying
Give towels a quick shake before tossing them in the dryer. This fluffs up fibers and prevents them from matting down.
Use Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls or even clean tennis balls help lift and soften towels during drying without chemicals.
Laundry in London: Hard Water Solutions
London’s hard water is a major reason towels go stiff so quickly. Minerals bond to the cotton fibers, making them rough and less absorbent. Adding a half cup of vinegar or a water softening tablet to your wash helps combat this. Over time, it keeps towels fluffier and brighter.
The Best Way to Dry Towels
The dryer isn’t always the enemy. Drying on medium heat for a short cycle, then finishing with air-drying, balances softness and longevity. For those who prefer air-drying completely, give towels a quick tumble in the dryer first to fluff them up.
Reviving Old Towels
Think your towels are beyond saving? Try this two-step method:
- Wash towels with hot water and one cup of vinegar (no detergent).
- Wash again with hot water and half a cup of baking soda.
This double wash strips away residue and restores softness.
Storing Towels the Right Way
Even after washing, how you store towels matters. Make sure they’re fully dry before folding to prevent musty smells. Store in a cool, dry place with airflow instead of packing them tightly.
Expert Hacks Worth Trying
Hotels are masters of soft, luxurious towels. Their secret is simple: wash with less soap, use large-capacity machines so towels have room to move, and avoid fabric softener completely. Many professional laundries share these insider hacks on pages like Hamlet Laundry’s Facebook page, where you’ll find practical care tips to apply at home.
Final Thoughts
Towels don’t lose softness because of age—they lose it because of buildup, bad washing habits, and hard water. By using less detergent, skipping fabric softeners, and adding vinegar or dryer balls, you can keep towels feeling fresh and fluffy for years. For households managing laundry in London, where water quality makes things tougher, these tricks are essential. Stick with them, and you’ll never suffer through scratchy towels again.