Tired of scratchy towels? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with this common laundry problem, but the solution is simpler than you might think. According to Nancy Birtwhistle, a renowned household expert and winner of the Great British Bake Off, the culprit behind stiff towels is often fabric softener.
While fabric softeners might seem like a solution, they actually create a chemical buildup in towels, making them less fluffy over time. This buildup also contributes to the harsh feeling you experience. But there’s good news! You can revive your towels with just one wash using natural ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need:
* Two tablespoons of washing soda
* One tablespoon of liquid soap
* 125ml of white vinegar
* A sunny and windy day
Here’s how to do it:
1. Add the washing soda to your washing machine’s detergent drawer.
2. Pour the liquid soap into the drum.
3. Add the white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment.
4. Wash your towels on a regular cycle.
5. Once the wash is complete, shake the towels vigorously outdoors.
6. Hang them outside to dry in the sunshine and wind.
Why this works:
*
Washing soda:
This ingredient breaks down detergent residue and hard water minerals, both of which can stiffen towels.*
Liquid soap:
It enhances the effectiveness of other softening agents and also contains conditioning agents to soften towels during the wash.*
White vinegar:
This is the key ingredient for softening. It removes any remaining soap residue and relaxes the fibers, resulting in a fluffier texture.The wind and sunshine play a crucial role in the process, too. The agitation of the wind lifts the fibers, making your towels feel even softer. By following these simple steps, you can restore your towels to their original softness, saving money and reducing waste by avoiding the need to buy new towels. Enjoy fluffy, fresh towels every time!
