It can be annoying to do a fresh pile of laundry only to discover that your towels have become stiff and scratchy in the wash, but there is a simple way to make them fluffy again. 

Liz Eichholz, an expert from Weezie Towels, has shared that towels often lose their softness due to a build-up of residue on the fabric, which often happens when people use too much fabric softener when they do their laundry. 

She said: “Towels are absorbent, which means they’re especially prone to collecting soap and fabric softener residue that doesn’t properly rinse out in the wash. 

“This can accumulate over time, leading to reduced absorbency and a rough, scratchy texture.”

However, it turns out the best way to revive towels and get them soft is not using a commercial cleaner but with simple white vinegar which you likely already have in your kitchen cupboard. 

Liz said: “You might notice that we recommend vinegar often when it comes to taking care of your towels. Versatile and affordable, it really is a game changer for many household tasks.”

How does vinegar restore towels and get them fluffy again?

It may seem strange but white vinegar contains acetic acid which can break down the soapy residues stuck in the towel fabric so it can absorb water properly once again. 

What makes white vinegar so great to use is that it rinses out completely in the washing machine without leaving behind any residue so is a quick and easy way to restore towels. 

Liz added: “Utilizing vinegar as part of your towel care routine is incredibly effective, but it’s also environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and cost-effective. 

“It works as a natural alternative to commercial fabric softeners, which often contain chemicals that can harm your towels and the environment."

How to get hard scratchy soft again

To begin, place your towels in the washing machine on a hot wash with no detergent or anything added, as this will soften any existing residue in the fabric. 

Once the wash is done, put the towels back in the washing machine and add one cup of white vinegar to the detergent drawer on the washing machine. 

Put on a new wash again and once it has finished put the towels on an extra rinse cycle to make sure any remaining residue of vinegar is thoroughly washed out. 

Dry the towels like normal by either hanging them outside on a clothesline or placing them in a dryer, but avoid putting the dryer on a high heat as this can damage the fabric. 

Once the towels have dried they should be completely restored and feel brand new. Liz said: “You’ll be amazed at how soft and fluffy they feel!”

How to keep towels fluffy and soft

Once you have revived your towels it is important to make sure you avoid using too much detergent and fabric softener in the future to avoid towels becoming damaged again. 

Make sure to also avoid overloading the washing machine as laundry needs enough space to move about to be thoroughly cleaned.

Liz said: “A good rule of thumb is never to fill your washer more than about three-quarters full.” 

However, one of the best ways to ensure towels stay soft is to avoid using dryer sheets as they can quickly cause residue to build up in the fabric once again. 

Liz said: “Dryer sheets contain a softening agent that can cause buildup on your towels over time, making them less absorbent. Instead of dryer sheets, try using a dryer ball.” 

Dryer balls are placed in the dryer and the constant movement agitates the fibres of the towel, which helps loosen them to prevent them becoming stiffy in the future. 

What makes dryer balls so effective is that they allow both heat and air to circulate more evenly in the dryer which cuts down the drying time and will also save you some time when doing your laundry.