TowelHub Blog

Over time, towels can lose their softness due to detergent buildup, hard water minerals, and improper drying. This not only affects comfort but also reduces absorbency and overall towel performance. Whether you're using towels at home or managing them in a professional setting like a spa or hotel, maintaining softness is essential.

Soft, fluffy towels give a sense of cleanliness and care, something that’s especially important in hospitality and service businesses. The good news is that you don’t need to throw out your towels when they get rough. With the right care techniques, you can restore them to their original plush feel.

Skip the Fabric Softener

Despite its name, fabric softener actually harms towels over time. It leaves a coating that builds up on fibers, reducing absorbency and creating a stiff texture. This residue traps detergent and oils, making towels feel less fresh after each wash.

To avoid this, eliminate fabric softeners from your laundry routine, especially for towels. If you want a fresh scent or softness, consider natural alternatives like vinegar or essential oils during the rinse cycle. These options are gentler on fabrics and better for long-term use.

Wash with Vinegar and Baking Soda

This simple two-step method can breathe life back into your towels. Wash your towels first in hot water with one cup of white vinegar—no detergent. Vinegar breaks down detergent and mineral buildup. Then, do a second wash with half a cup of baking soda, which neutralizes odors and softens the fabric naturally.

Avoid combining the two in the same wash, as they neutralize each other. This process is safe, affordable, and effective, making it a favorite among cleaning experts and towel care professionals.

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

• Use less detergent than you think—excess soap causes buildup.
  
• Overloaded machines don’t rinse well, so reduce your towel load size.
  
• Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is washed out.
  
• Choose liquid over powder if you have hard water—it dissolves better.
  
• Look for low-residue detergents if washing towels in bulk regularly.
  

Soften with Dryer Balls or Tennis Balls

Dryer balls help reduce static and keep towels fluffy by separating them during the drying process. They improve air circulation, which leads to faster and more even drying. If you don’t have dryer balls, clean tennis balls can work similarly.

Avoid dryer sheets, as they leave residue just like fabric softeners. Instead, use wool dryer balls with a drop of essential oil for a gentle fragrance. These tools extend towel life and improve texture naturally.

Avoid Overdrying

• Set your dryer to a medium heat setting to prevent fiber damage.
  
• Remove towels as soon as they’re dry to the touch—not bone dry.
  
• Partially air-dry towels before finishing them in the dryer for softness.
  
• Avoid stuffing the dryer; give towels space to fluff properly.
  
• For commercial use, rotating towel batches helps prevent overuse and wear.
  

Address Hard Water Issues

Hard water is a hidden culprit in stiff towels. The minerals in hard water cling to fibers and block detergent from rinsing cleanly. Over time, this buildup makes towels feel scratchy and less absorbent, even with regular washing.

If you suspect hard water, try adding half a cup of vinegar or a scoop of washing soda to the rinse cycle. For a long-term solution, installing a water softener can dramatically improve towel softness—especially for businesses dealing with large laundry loads.

Don’t Overload the Washer

Overloading prevents your towels from getting properly cleaned. They need room to move freely in the drum so detergent and water can reach every fiber. Without enough space, towels come out poorly rinsed, leading to buildup and roughness.

Always wash towels in smaller loads and avoid mixing them with heavy fabrics like jeans. This helps protect towel fibers from wear and ensures each one gets thoroughly cleaned and softened.

Conclusion

Making towels soft again doesn't require fancy products—just a smarter laundry routine. From using vinegar and baking soda to cutting back on detergent and avoiding overdrying, these small changes make a big difference. With regular care, even old towels can feel like new.

For businesses that rely on high towel turnover, such as hotels or gyms, sourcing quality towels from trusted suppliers like Towel Hub ensures you're starting with the right foundation. Combine that with these care tips, and your towels will stay soft, absorbent, and long-lasting.