How to Get Towels Soft Again: Easy Tips for Making Towels Fluffy and Fresh
We’ve all been there. You grab a towel after a nice hot shower expecting a soft hug, but instead, it feels like you’re drying off with a bit of sandpaper week by week. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Figuring out how to get towels soft again (and how to get towels fluffy) is kind of a mystery. Luckily, the solution is simpler than you might think, and you don’t need any fancy potions.
OK, But Why Do Towels Go Hard in the First Place?
It’s usually a mix of two things: detergent and mineral build-up. Over time, using too much detergent (or fabric softener) leaves residue that clings to towel fibres. Add the UK’s notoriously hard water into the mix, and your lovely towels turn stiff and scratchy faster than you can say “softener”...
Image credit | Pexels
The Simple Two-Step Trick
Here’s the methods. It’s gentle, effective, and totally natural.
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Vinegar Wash – Pop your towels in the machine and run a hot cycle with half a cup of white vinegar. No detergent this time. The vinegar breaks down residue and mineral deposits that are making your towels feel rough.
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Bicarbonate of Soda Rinse – Next, run another hot cycle with half a cup of bicarbonate of soda. This neutralises the vinegar smell and helps lift out any lingering grime, leaving towels fresh and soft.
Repeat this once every few months to keep your towels fluffy without relying on chemical softeners.
Skip the Fabric Softener (Seriously)
It sounds odd, but fabric softener is actually your towel’s enemy. It coats the fibres, which stops them from absorbing water properly. It's the exact opposite of what you want. Instead, try a natural laundry liquid like our Gentle Laundry Detergent from Detoorp. which is free from harsh chemicals and designed to keep fabrics soft and breathable. But without softener when you wash your towels.
Read The Label | Natural Luxury Laundry Detergent
This luxurious natural detergent combines four organic essential oils (eucalyptus, geranium, basil, and patchouli) for an aromatherapy laundry experience. The chemical-free formula uses soapwort extract and plant-derived surfactants to create gentle yet effective cleaning, while delivering impressive stain removal despite being non-toxic.
Tangent GC | Kiyomi Organic Everyday Detergent
This Swedish-made powerhouse combines natural enzymes with plant-sourced surfactants for professional-level cleaning. The organic, vegan, and fossil-free formula features sophisticated Japanese Kiyomi fragrance, proving eco-friendly can be both effective and luxurious.
Give Them Some Air
If possible, dry your towels outdoors. Fresh air does wonders, and a bit of sunshine naturally kills bacteria and lifts odours. If you’re using a tumble dryer, toss in a couple of reusable wool dryer balls. they help fluff up the fibres and reduce drying time too.
Simple Goods | Dryer Balls
These New Zealand wool balls offer a natural alternative to chemical fabric softeners. Reusable up to 1,000 times, they reduce drying time by 30%, naturally soften fabrics, eliminate static, and minimize wrinkles—all without chemicals or waste.
A Few Bonus Tips
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Don’t overload the machine. Towels need space to move around properly.
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Shake them out before drying to loosen the fibres.
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Wash towels separately from your regular laundry to avoid detergent residue.