Picture this: you step out of a warm shower, reach for a towel, and wrap yourself in a cloud of softness that feels like a hug from a luxury hotel. But too often, towels turn stiff and scratchy, losing that plush, cozy feel. If you’re wondering how to keep towels soft, you’re not alone. According to a 2023 survey by Consumer Reports, 68% of people struggle with stiff towels after washing..
The good news? With a few expert laundry tips, you can restore and maintain that spa-like softness at home. In this guide, we’ll share proven techniques, natural solutions, and common mistakes to avoid to keep your towels soft, absorbent, and luxurious.
In this guide, you'll discover how to naturally soften your towels using pantry staples like vinegar and baking soda, while also learning the pro secrets hotels use to keep their towel luxuriously fluffy .
Why Do Towels Get Stiff?
Before diving into how to keep towels soft, let’s explore why they lose their plushness. Towels become stiff due to a buildup of detergent, fabric softener, or hard water minerals on the fibers. Over time, these residues coat the cotton loops (called the pile), reducing absorbency and making towels feel rough. According to laundry expert Mary Marlowe Leverette, “Detergent buildup is the number one culprit for stiff towels, especially in hard water areas.” Other factors include overloading the washer, using high heat in the dryer, or improper washing techniques.
Hard water, which affects 85% of U.S. households (per the U.S. Geological Survey), contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that cling to towel fibers, creating a crunchy texture. Fabric softener, often marketed as a softening solution, can actually worsen the problem by leaving a waxy coating that reduces absorbency. Understanding these causes is the first step to keeping your towels soft and fluffy.
Why Towels Lose Their Softness Over Time
Even the most luxurious towels can become stiff and scratchy if not cared for properly. Here’s why:
- Mineral Buildup from Hard Water: Leaves behind residue that clings to fibers, making towels feel coarse.
- Too Much Detergent or Fabric Softener: Causes buildup that reduces absorbency and softness.
- Overdrying in High Heat: Breaks down towel fibers and hardens them over time.
- Low-Quality Materials: Synthetic or low-GSM towels lack the plushness of premium cotton options.
Understanding the cause is the first step toward reviving your towels’ softness.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Towels to Keep Them Soft
Washing towels correctly is the key to maintaining their softness. By following these expert-backed steps, you can prevent residue buildup and ensure your towels stay plush and absorbent.
Skip the chemicals. These four simple laundry steps will restore softness and keep your towels fluffy and fresh. Here’s how to wash towels to keep them soft:
How to Dry Towels for Maximum Fluffiness
Drying towels properly is just as important as washing them. The wrong drying technique can turn soft towels into scratchy ones. Here’s how to dry towels to keep them fluffy:
Shake Before Drying: Vigorously shake towels before placing them in the dryer. This loosens the pile and helps restore fluffiness. Laundry expert Patric Richardson recommends shaking towels “like you’re snapping a rug” to fluff the fibers.
Use Low Heat: Dry towels on low or medium heat to prevent fiber damage. High heat can make cotton brittle, reducing softness over time. A 2024 study by the American Cleaning Institute found that low-heat drying extends towel lifespan by 20%.
Add Wool Dryer Balls: Toss in 2–3 wool dryer balls to enhance fluffiness and reduce drying time. Dryer balls agitate the towels, separating the fibers for a softer, fluffier texture.
Avoid Over-Drying: Remove towels from the dryer while slightly damp to maintain softness. Over-drying can make fibers stiff and crunchy.
If you don’t have a dryer, air-dry towels on a clothesline after shaking them out. Hang them in a well-ventilated area to prevent mildew, and consider adding vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra softness.
How to Make Towels Soft Again?
If your towels are already stiff and scratchy, don’t toss them out! You can restore their softness with a few simple techniques. Whether you’re using a front-loader or top-loader, these methods will bring your towels back to life. Some ask about washing towels with vinegar and baking soda together for fluffy results.
While effective separately, avoid combining them in the same cycle, as they neutralize each other. Instead, use ½ cup of baking soda in the wash, followed by 1 cup of vinegar in the rinse for soft, fluffy towels.
Using a Vinegar Soak
A vinegar soak is one of the most effective ways to soften towels naturally. Here’s how to do it:
Fill a tub or washing machine with 1 gallon of warm water and 1 cup of white vinegar. Soak the towels for 30 minutes to dissolve detergent residue and hard water minerals. After soaking, run a regular wash cycle with warm water and a small amount of detergent. For very stiff towels, repeat the process. “Vinegar strips away years of buildup, making towels feel like new,” says laundry expert Mary Gagliardi.
This method is especially effective for front-loaders, where residue buildup is common due to lower water volumes. Add the vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser for an easy rinse-cycle application.
Baking Soda Wash for Hard Towels
Baking soda is another natural powerhouse for softening hard towels. To use it:
Wash towels with ½ cup of baking soda and no detergent in a warm water cycle. Baking soda breaks down mineral deposits and refreshes fibers, restoring softness. Follow with a rinse cycle using 1 cup of vinegar for maximum effect (don’t mix baking soda and vinegar in the same cycle, as they neutralize each other). Dry on low heat with wool dryer balls for a fluffy finish.
For towels that have been stiff for years, you may need to repeat the baking soda wash 2–3 times. This method is budget-friendly and eco-friendly, using household staples you likely already have.
Hotel Secrets: How Do Hotels Keep Towels So Soft?
Hotels have mastered the art of fluffy towels through a combination of effective laundering techniques and high-quality materials. Firstly, they use industrial-grade washing machines capable of handling large loads and providing a vigorous wash cycle. These machines allow for thorough cleaning and rinsing, ensuring that any residue or dirt is completely removed.
Hotels also pay careful attention to the type of detergent they use. They opt for mild yet effective detergents that are gentle on the towels' fibres while still providing a deep clean. Additionally, they often incorporate fabric softeners or vinegar into their laundry routine to enhance the softness of the towels and eliminate any lingering odors.
Another key factor in achieving soft towels is the drying process. Hotels typically use commercial-grade dryers that can generate high heat and airflow in a reasonable drying time. This combination helps to fluff up while removing excess moisture. Regularly cleaning the dryer's lint trap also ensures optimal drying performance.
Finally, hotels invest in high quality materials when purchasing their towels. They choose towels made from premium fibers such as Egyptian cotton, Australian cotton, or Turkish cotton, which are known for their absorbency and softness.
What Are Common Mistakes That Make Towels Stiff?
Even with the best intentions, common laundry mistakes can sabotage your efforts to keep towels soft. Here are the top pitfalls to avoid:
• Using Fabric Softener: Fabric softener leaves a waxy coating on towels, reducing absorbency and causing stiffness. Opt for vinegar or baking soda instead.
• Overloading the Washer: Crowded loads prevent towels from rinsing thoroughly, trapping detergent residue. Wash towels in small batches for best results.
• Using Too Much Detergent: Excess detergent builds up on fibers, making towels stiff and less absorbent. Stick to 1–2 tablespoons per load.
• Drying on High Heat: High heat damages cotton fibers, leading to a rough texture. Always use low or medium heat.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can maintain the softness and absorbency of your towels for years. As laundry expert Melissa Maker says, “Less is more when it comes to towel care—less detergent, less heat, and no fabric softener.”
FAQs on Keeping Towels Soft and Fluffy
Q.1: How Do Hotels Keep Towels Soft?
A: Hotels achieve that luxurious towel feel by washing towels separately, using vinegar to remove detergent residue, avoiding fabric softener, and drying on low heat with dryer balls. They also use high-quality cotton towels, which naturally stay softer longer.
Q.2: Can You Use Fabric Softener on Towels?
A: No, fabric softener is a no-go for towels. It coats the fibers with a waxy residue, reducing absorbency and making towels feel stiff. Instead, use 1 cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle or ½ cup of baking soda in the wash to soften towels naturally.
Q.3: How to Soften Towels Naturally?
A: To soften towels naturally, add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to dissolve residue or ½ cup of baking soda to the wash to break down minerals. You can also try ¼ cup of Epsom salt in the wash for a mineral-based softening effect.
Q.4: How to Make Towels Soft Again in a Front Loader?
A: Front-loaders use less water, so residue buildup is common. Soak towels in a solution of 1 cup white vinegar and warm water for 30 minutes, then wash with less detergent and an extra rinse cycle. Add vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser for convenience.
Q.5: How to Wash New Towels to Keep Them Soft?
A: New towels often have manufacturing residues that make them feel stiff. Wash them with 1 cup of white vinegar and no detergent in a warm water cycle. Dry on low heat with wool dryer balls to maximize softness from the start.
Q.6: How to Wash Towels in Indonesian Style (Cara Mencuci Handuk)?
A: In Indonesian, "cara mencuci handuk" means "how to wash towels." Use warm water (not hot, despite "cara mencuci handuk dengan air panas" suggesting hot water) with 1 cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle to keep towels soft. Hot water can damage fibers, so stick to warm for best results.
Q.7:How Do Hotels Keep Towels White?
A: Hotels keep towels white by using oxygen-based bleach or washing with baking soda and vinegar to remove stains while maintaining softness. Avoid chlorine bleach, as it can weaken fibers.
Best Towels That Stay Soft Over Time
If you're shopping for new towels, here’s a quick comparison of the softest, most durable options:
| Material |
Pros |
GSM Range |
Softness Rating |
| Egyptian Cotton |
Long fibers, highly absorbent |
600–900 |
★★★★★ |
| Turkish Cotton |
Quick-drying, smooth feel |
500–800 |
★★★★☆ |
| Bamboo |
Eco-friendly, silky, antibacterial |
300–600 |
★★★★☆ |
Pro tip: A GSM of 600+ offers a plush, luxury feel that lasts longer.
Conclusion: Enjoy Spa-Quality Towels Every Day
Scratchy towels are a thing of the past. With this natural, no-chemical method, you can restore and maintain the softness and fluffiness of your towels using simple ingredients from your pantry. No need for costly fabric softeners or constant towel replacements.
Avoid common mistakes like using fabric softener or overloading the washer, and consider a vinegar soak to restore stiff towels. With these expert tips, your towels will stay plush, absorbent, and cozy for every shower or bath.
Treat yourself to the comfort of cloud-like towels after every shower—and elevate your daily routine to a spa-like experience effortlessly.
3. Optional: Add Essential Oils for Freshness
For a subtle, refreshing scent, add 20–25 drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus) to the washing machine drum before the rinse cycle.
4. Dry Towels Gently and Effectively
Dry on medium heat to protect fibers.
Don’t overload your dryer—towels need room to tumble.
Toss in dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help fluff fibers during the drying process.
Always clean the lint trap before starting the cycle.
