There's nothing cozier than wrapping yourself in a soft and fluffy towel right after you get out of the bath. When your towels become stiff and rough, that pleasure turns into discomfort. Even the best bath towels can suffer from this if they are not washed and dried properly.
In this article, we'll show you how to keep your towels soft and fluffy for longer, as well as how to revive any stiff or damaged towels.
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Before Using Your Towels, Wash Them
Rule number one - wash your towels before use. Of course we all know that washing can cause items to wear out, so this may appear counter-intuitive. However, all experts agree that you should wash new towels before using them for the first time. Some even recommend washing your towels with a ½ cup of white vinegar before the first time you use them. Because the vinegar helps set the dyes and keeps the colors more vibrant. Also, washing before use removes any pre-treatments added by the manufacturer to help preserve and protect the towel during its long journey from the factory to warehouse, retailer, and your home.
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Always wash your towels separately
Yes, we understand it's inconvenient. However, washing towels separately will keep them soft and fluffy. When they are mixed with sheets or clothes, they become encrusted with lint from the other items. Also, if you don't want your towels to pill, only wash them with other towels. What exactly is a "pill?" It occurs when short fabric fibers rub against the long fibers of bath towels, causing them to bunch and form little nubs on the fabric, known as "pills." Overdrying can also result in pills, so keep an eye on your drying time.
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Small Laundry Loads Always
Filling your washing machine to the brim is another way to ruin your towels. They may clump and tangle as a result, resulting in small pockets of moisture that are resistant to smooth drying. Instead, leave plenty of space in your machine for your towels to breathe, and they will dry much faster and without scratchiness. Furthermore, attempting to wash and dry too many towels at once can cause damage to your washing machine and interfere with your dryer's ability to dry your towels properly.
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At All Costs, Avoid Fabric Softener
This may appear to be a contradiction, but fabric softeners lose their effectiveness after a few uses and can actually damage your towels. As a result, despite its name, fabric softener is also an enemy of fluffy towels. Fabric softeners cause buildup and can mat your fibers, resulting in stiffness and reduced absorbency. What should you substitute instead? - With each load, add three tablespoons of distilled wine vinegar to soften the towels much more effectively. Half a cup of baking soda is another option. However, never mix the two as this will cause your washing machine to overflow.
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Store Your Towels Properly
Shake your towels after drying and fold them as soon as possible. Store them in a low pile to avoid putting too much pressure on the towels at the bottom and damaging the fibers.
It goes without saying that you should not store your towels until they are completely dry. However, never iron them to hasten the process because this can damage the fibers and make them less fluffy.
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Regularly Replace Your Towels
Towels, no matter how well you care for them, will lose fibers and absorbency over time. Fortunately, plush, fluffy towels are an inexpensive indulgence, so if they've been in use for more than two years, it's time to replace them.
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