How to fix hard and stiff towels with 1 natural item that’s not vinegar or baking soda | Express.co.uk

Nov 05, 2024

Towels, similar to other laundry items, can become hard after cleaning for several reasons, whether in hotels or for home use.

Common culprits include the buildup of detergent, which can leave residues that stiffen the fibres.

Washing towels in hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can also contribute to a rough texture.

Additionally, over-drying towels in the dryer or using high heat can damage the fibres, leading to stiffness.

Despite these issues, some people actually prefer rough, hard towels for their exfoliating properties and invigorating feel.

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To restore towels back to their fluffy nature, some recommend using white vinegar, however, one woman has other ideas.

Taking to Mumsnet, user Sunflower6 asked: “Has anyone got any tips on how to make towels soft again once they have gone hard? I tried washing without fabric conditioner but that hasn’t helped.”

User Wowfudge shared a solution that worked for her - soda crystals. She said: “Wash with soda crystals only in your machine - no washing powder or liquid - on a hot cotton wash, then tumble dry.

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“Towels tend to go hard when they have washing powder/liquid residue in them. They should be washed at 60 degrees (or hotter).”

She further explained: “The soda crystals will clean the towels and break down the detergent deposits making them hard.

“Tumble dryer is optional, but it's the best way of getting lovely soft and fluffy towels at home - you could always take them to the launderette to use the dryer there.

“I find line-dried towels go crisp - you can kind of soften them up (and someone I used to work with swore by ironing them to do so!), but it's not the same.”

Talking about her experience of using white vinegar, the user said: “Some people recommend white vinegar in the machine as a substitute for fabric softener.

“I tried this once when I ran out of softener and it made everything smell like a chippy although I only used a small amount. I had to wash it all again.”