Fluffy, clean bath towels: a simple tip to adopt for your next wash

In many bathrooms, towels end up rough, dull and sometimes smelly. It’s an irritating situation, especially when you’re looking for comfort, hygiene and economy on a daily basis, just like when you’re preparing for a weekend away and want impeccable linen.

Why softness disappears with each wash

The most frequently cited cause is too much fabric softener. Fabric softener leaves a film that smothers the fibers and makes drying take longer. As a result, your towels look clean, but lose their plumpness, which is detrimental to a truly harmonious feel on a daily basis.

Limescale also invades the fabric’s loops. As a result, minerals from the water settle and harden the texture over time. As a result, bath towels hold less water and scratch the skin, a common complaint when you live in a hard-water area, such as the Vercors region.

Overfilled drums and excessive heat don’t help. What’s more, intense rubbing breaks the cotton loops that provide all the softness. Bath towels soon end up flat and damaged, especially if you neglect a hyggekrog-style relaxation area where everything must remain soft and comfortable.

“The secret is not to add products, but to remove the residues that choke the fibers.”

The simple method that changes everything

A homemade tip, relayed by the decorating press, relies on white vinegar. Replace fabric softener with 1/2 glass of vinegar when rinsing, without mixing other additives. In this way, bath towels regain their suppleness and dry faster.

Baking soda helps dislodge odors and neutralize acidity. You can dissolve 1 to 2 spoonfuls in the drum for one cleaning cycle. Your towels will be fresher, with no overpowering fragrance.

• Measure the product: less detergent, better rinsing.
• Rinse with vinegar to remove residues.
• Add baking soda occasionally for stubborn odors.
• Avoid piling up laundry to preserve fibers.
• Dry quickly after washing to prevent stagnant moisture.

Wash, rinse and dry at the right speed

Above all, follow the care label. Depending on the color, wash at 40°C, reserving a 60°C wash when hygiene requires it. This way, your towels will retain their color and appearance.

Shake out the laundry as it comes out of the machine to plump up the curls. On the other hand, avoid drying them too hot, as this will break the fibers. Bath towels are best air-dried or tumble-dried gently.

Let the air circulate in the bathroom. Also, hang each piece flat to avoid damp spots. Towels stay crisp longer between washes.

Temperatures, cycles and regular maintenance

Alternate a standard cycle with a maintenance cycle when necessary. Also, consider an extra rinse if the water is hard. Your towels will stay softer and more absorbent.

Don’t overload the drum to let the water circulate. As a result, residues are better removed and fibers loosen. Towels look fuller as soon as they dry.

Washing frequency and daily hygiene

Many specialists recommend frequent replacement. Aim for a wash every 3 to 4 uses, depending on the humidity of the room. That way, your towels stay healthy for the whole family.

Separate light and dark to limit bleeding. However, avoid mixing fluffy linen with cotton loops. Your bath towels will keep a clean, lint-free feel.

After showering, spread out immediately to ensure good ventilation. And don’t fold until the inside is completely dry. Bath towels won’t accumulate odors or traces of moisture.

Mistakes to avoid and good reflexes

Reduce the detergent dose to limit foaming and deposits. From now on, measure precisely and rinse efficiently. Your towels will be softer from the very first week.

Highly calcareous water requires targeted action. In addition, run a vinegar machine maintenance cycle once a month. Bath towels benefit from a healthier environment with every wash.

Economy, durability and everyday comfort

Load the machine loosely to maintain water circulation. Also, choose a spin speed of 1,200 rpm to reduce drying time. Your towels will come out less damp and easier to air.

Take advantage of the sun whenever the weather permits. However, to preserve colors, avoid prolonged exposure at the zenith. Bath towels remain soft when dried in a moderate, ventilated manner.

Finally, store dry in a breathable cupboard. This helps prevent the reappearance of odors and wrinkles. Your towels will be ready for use, soft and clean.

• bath towels