A housekeeper has shared her go-to laundry tip for keeping towels soft and fluffy. Stepping out of the shower or bath and wrapping yourself in a gloriously soft towel is something most of us relish — yet towels can quickly become rough and stiff. This happens for several reasons, including a build-up of detergent residue and body oils within the fabric. Tumble-drying towels can also make them hard and scratchy.
The White Vinegar Solution
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to restore them, with one experienced housekeeper taking to Facebook to share her ultimate tip. Posting in the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips group, Jennifer Reynolds wrote: 'I've seen a lot of questions on here about how to keep towels, especially white ones, soft. But there's only one way to do it, I've learnt over the years, as a housekeeper washing towels all day. It's simply to add white vinegar in for an extra rinse after washing towels.'
White vinegar is brilliant at eliminating detergent and fabric softener residue, while simultaneously softening towels. The acetic acid found in white vinegar breaks down these residues without leaving behind any unpleasant smells. It's also this very natural ingredient that can tackle any musty odours that may have accumulated over time.
How to Use White Vinegar on Towels
However, avoid pouring it directly into your washing machine drum, as it can damage the rubber and plastic components. Instead, soak your towels in white vinegar beforehand, rinse them thoroughly, then pop them in the washing machine as normal. Alternatively, add a small amount to the pre-rinse compartment of your washing machine drawer.
Jennifer also revealed she 'never uses' fabric softener on her towels, which keeps them 'so soft and fluffy'. Once your towels have finished their wash cycle, give them a firm shake to help restore the cotton fibres and kick-start the drying process.
Cost-Effective Solution
White vinegar can be picked up for as little as 60p at supermarkets such as Tesco, or for around £1 at Home Bargains if you opt for a larger bottle. Numerous cleaners and cleaning fans flocked to the comments section to share their particular fondness for Elbow Grease's white vinegar. The eco-friendly product can tackle a whole host of household chores, from banishing limescale to giving your washing machine a thorough clean.
