I’m a laundry expert – 30p trick is the secret to keeping your towels soft and fluffy

WITH spring officially here, it's the ideal time to think about refreshing yourtowelsafter a long, chilly winter.

After all, there's nothing worse than reaching for a stiff, crunchy towel after a relaxing bath.

To help you keep your bathroom linens in tip-top condition, Molly Freshwater, Founder ofSecret Linen Store,has put together seven expert tips for ensuring they stay luxuriously soft and fluffy all year round.

And the first easy hack only costs 30p a go, making it a purse-friendly fix.

Use Vinegar

If your towels are feeling stiff and scratchy, Molly says a simple trick might be lurking inside your kitchen cupboards.

To soften towels, try adding 250ml of white vinegar to your wash alongside your regular laundry liquid.

Just pour the vinegar directly into the drum before loading your towels, and start the cycle as usual.

Don’t worry, despite vinegar’s strong smell, it won’t linger on your towels.

The vinegar works by breaking down any detergent residue or mineral build-up in the fibres, which can leave towels feeling rough.

It helps to restore softness and absorbency without harsh chemicals, leaving your towels fresh and cosy.

A 750ml bottle of Astonish white vinegar currently costs as little as 91p in Wilko, which will last three washes.

Don’t Overuse Detergent

High-quality bath towels should feel thick and indulgent.

Because of this, the detergent can be harder to remove during rinse cycles than other materials.

This will accumulate over time and may cause your towels to feel hard and stiff.

Ensuring you’re using a gentle detergent is also important, as towels are made from natural fibres like cotton. Harsh detergents can cause permanent damage to these fibres.

Choose The Right Temperature

Freshly used towels can be full of germs which can make it tempting to wash them at high temperatures.

But while it might seem like the best way to get rid of the bacteria, it won’t keep your towels soft and fluffy.

Like harsh detergents, hot water can strip the natural fibres of their softness, leaving them rough and less absorbent.

To keep them fresh and soft, Molly recommends washing your towels at a cooler temperature, between 30 and 40 degrees.

Give Them Space

It might feel easier to just toss all the family’s bath towels into the wash at once, but this won’t actually help with softness or cleanliness.

When there are too many towels in the machine, the detergent and fabric conditioner can’t rinse out properly.

For the best results, try washing your towels in smaller loads. This way, the detergent gets a chance to properly rinse out, leaving your towels feeling soft, fluffy, and ready to use after every wash.

Drying Tips For Soft Fluffy Towels

A tumble dryer can be great for softening towels, but overdoing it can lead to over-drying and that rough, sandpaper feel.

To get the best results, dry your towels on a low heat setting so they’re not completely dried out, or hang them outside on a windy day.

The wind will help agitate the fibres and keep them soft.

If you're using a tumble dryer, try adding a tennis ball or dryer ball to speed up drying and fluff up your towels.

For a more eco-friendly option, hang them to dry and finish with a quick 20-minute tumble on a cool setting to keep them nice and fluffy.

Shake Before and After Drying

To keep towels soft and absorbent, give them a good shake before drying, whether in a tumble dryer or on the line.

This helps loosen the fibres and allows better airflow. Once dry, shake them again to prevent stiffness and maintain their fluffiness.

Store Towels Loosley

Folding towels too tightly or stacking them under heavy piles can flatten the fibres, making them feel stiff over time.

To keep them soft and absorbent, store them loosely with some space for air to circulate. This helps maintain their fluffiness and keeps them fresher for longer.