How to make towels soft again? How to wash towels
They are used to wipe the skin after bathing. Virtually no one thinks about the properties of towels. Just little more than an ordinary piece of fabric that rubs against the skin. However, it turns out that this is true until the end. it must fulfill specific functions that no one thinks about on a daily basis. First of all, castor beans must be soft and pleasant to the skin. They cannot irritate or cause allergic reactions. For this reason, towels are made primarily of cotton. There are synthetics, but they are most often used in beach towels, which need to dry quickly. Towels must also absorb water. This is their most important function, without which they would only spread moisture across the skin. Unfortunately, frequent washing and inappropriate detergents may cause the towels to become more and more stiff and less absorbent. How to deal with this?
Many experts recommend vinegar. It is not always a one-size-fits-all solution. Some towel manufacturers point out that vinegar not only does not remove all the dirt, but if used too often it may lead to reduced absorbency of the materials. Ordinary glycerin can be used to wash stiff towels. Adding a few teaspoons of glycerin to the fabric softener compartment will make the fabrics softer and more absorbent. Do not use more than three tablespoons of glycerin per wash. Too much may have the opposite effect than expected. thanks to which the glycerin will be well absorbed into the material. You can also soak the towels in a solution of glycerin and water. Add three tablespoons of glycerin to two liters of water and soak the towels for about 30 minutes. After just one such treatment, the fabrics will become softer and more absorbent.
Why do towels become rough? Main causes
Before we move on to other methods of restoring fluffiness, it is worth understanding why towels lose their softness in the first place. The main cause is often hard water, rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. During washing, they settle on the fabric fibers, causing them to stiffen. The second culprit is the excess of detergents used. Powder or liquid residues that are not thoroughly rinsed form a stiffening layer on the material, making the towels unpleasant to the touch.
It is equally important not to overfill the washing machine drum. When towels are packed too tightly, detergents don’t have a chance to be rinsed thoroughly, which leads to them clinging to the fibers. As a result, instead of softness, we get a rough and scratchy material. Also avoid drying towels directly on hot radiators, as too high temperatures cause the fabric to harden.
The key to fluffiness: how to dry towels properly?
Washing is not everything – proper drying is also crucial to maintain softness. Before hanging up the towels, remember to shake each towel vigorously. This simple procedure allows you to loosen and straighten the fibers that are clumped after washing, which facilitates air circulation and gives them fluffiness. For best results, dry your towels outdoors in a well-ventilated place. However, try to avoid direct, bright sunlight, which can make them hard and stiff.
A good alternative that guarantees fluffiness is a tumble dryer. However, it is worth using a program with a lower temperature so as not to damage the fibers. An interesting trick is to add a few special drying balls to the drum, which mechanically “break” the fabric as they rotate, making the towels exceptionally soft and fluffy when removed.
Selection of detergents and their correct dosage
One of the most common mistakes is using too much detergent. Contrary to appearances, more detergent does not mean cleaner and softer towels. Its excess does not wash out completely and settles on the fibers, leading to their stiffening. Therefore, always use less detergent than the manufacturer recommends. Instead of powder, which may dissolve less easily, it is worth using liquid or gel detergents.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, you should avoid classic fabric softeners when washing towels. They stick to the fibers, which over time leads to a reduction in their absorbency. Instead, every few washes, you can use home remedies – such as the previously mentioned vinegar or baking soda solution – which will help rinse out the remnants of detergents and restore the material’s natural ability to absorb water.
