Tired Of Rough And Foul-Smelling Towels? Try 10 Tips To Make Towels Soft And Smell Good

Have you ever noticed your towels losing their softness and fresh fragrance over time with gradual use? Certain factors like detergent buildup, regular wear and tear, and improper drying can make your towels lose their plushy texture and become sandpaper. But what if instead of tossing them out, you can use some expert-recommended tips and learn how to make towels soft and fluffy again? Wouldn't that be so much more economical? Well, we have got you covered. Here are 10 tips to make old towels soft and smell fresh like new ones. 

Also Read: Cotton Vs. Microfiber Towels: Which One Should You Really Be Using?

10 Tips to Make Towels Soft and Smell Good; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Use Vinegar Wash

When it comes to cleaning emergencies, certain pantry staples like vinegar come in handy. Fabric cleaner and softener can cause buildup on your towels, making them stiff and rough on the skin. Luckily, vinegar can act as an excellent alternative to fabric softeners in the market. The next time you want to wash your towels, add a cup of vinegar to break down hard water components and restore softness. Use this trick once a month or more to soften fibres. 

2. Use Baking Soda

Have you ever noticed your elders placing a small amount of baking soda before filling the trash can or inside foul-smelling shoes? Well, there is a reason behind that. Did you know that baking soda is a natural odour-eliminator? It has a great absorbing capacity that helps neutralise odor-causing molecules. Add half a cup of baking soda along with detergent and skip the fabric softener. Let the load run on a warm-to-hot cycle and wait for the magic to happen. This is one of the best tips to make towels smell fresh in the washing machine.

3. Use The Right Amount Of Detergent

Frequently washing towels with excessive an amount of detergent can make your garments lose their colours and softness. Although fabric softeners can help keep your clothes soft to some extent, they are not the permanent solution. Instead, try using less detergent and save your towels. 

10 Tips to Make Towels Soft and Smell Good; Photo Credit: Pexels

4. Cut Down On Fabric Softeners

Although it may sound surprising, fabric softeners can hamper the absorption ability of your towels and make them stiff over time. Although they may give temporary results and soften your favourite clothes, there is a high possibility that you may not like the hard results in the long run. Instead, opt for natural conditioners like vinegar or baking soda. If you still wish to continue using fabric softeners, reduce the amount between alternate washes.

5. Don't Overload Your Washing Machine

When you fill your washing machine to the neck, your clothes may get damaged from rubbing against zippers, buttons, and whatnot. Despite the capacity of your washing machine, it is best to wash your towels in small batches. This ensures that the towels can move freely, absorb water easily, and get a thorough cleaning to remove every last bit of the washing liquid. 

6. Use Hot Or Warm Water To Clean Towels

Washing towels in hot or warm water can help kill odour-causing bacteria that generally accumulate with regular wear and tear. It is also helpful in removing tough stains while being gentle on the fibres. Unlike a cold water load, hot or warm water can prevent soap buildup by thoroughly washing, leading to soft and fresh-smelling towels. This is one of the most important tips to make towels soft and smell good at home. 

10 Tips to Make Towels Soft and Smell Good; Photo Credit: Pexels

7. Dry Your Towels Properly

Once you are done giving your towels a good wash, it is now time to dry them properly. Always remember that damp towels are breeding grounds for foul-smelling bacteria and other germs. Therefore, it is important to first give them a good shake to loosen up the fibres and give them a soft and fluffy look. Next, spread them properly and hang them in direct sunlight until they dry completely. If you use a dryer, avoid using high temperatures as excess heat can damage your towels and make them stiff. 

8. Store Towels In A Well-Ventilated Space

Do you know even fresh and clean towels can still develop a foul smell? This is why it is important to keep your cabinets well-ventilated and dry, especially during humid weather conditions. If needed, you can use absorbents like silica gel to get rid of excess moisture and prevent clothes from smelling. 

9. Use Natural Fragrances

When washing towels in the washing machine, you can use natural fragrances like essential oils to make your towels smell fresh and good without artificial. Go for subtle and soothing fragrances like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood. Not sure how to use them? Add a few drops of essential oils to a damp cloth and toss it in the load along with towels. This will also help you quit fabric softeners. 

10 Tips to Make Towels Soft and Smell Good; Photo Credit: Pexels

10. Follow The Golden Rule Of 3 Uses

The next tip to make towels smell good is regular cleaning and maintenance. If you are not sure how often you should wash your towels, it is wise to follow the 3-use rule. Although it feels convenient to use the same towel again and again, there should be a maximum number of uses to ensure your towels go through regular cleaning. In most cases, you can wash your towels after 3 consecutive uses to get rid of bacteria, dirt buildup, and smell.

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No one likes using smelly towels that are stinky and feel harsh on the skin. With proper care, you can restore your old towels to make them soft and fluffy again. Use simple tips like vinegar wash, baking powder wash, proper drying, and adding essential oils to make your old towels like new. After all, a little extra care now will go a long way. Shop now on Myntra. 

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