How to wash towels to make them soft again

We all long for the comforting embrace of a soft, fluffy towel after a warm shower. The secret to maintaining the plush softness and absorbency of your towels lies in how you wash them. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to wash your towels in a washing machine, ensuring they stay luxurious and last longer. 

How often should you wash towels?

The frequency of washing towels largely depends on personal preferences and usage. However, a general guideline is to wash bath towels every three to four uses to maintain hygiene and softness.

Hand towels and face towels, given their frequent use, should be washed every one to two days to ensure they stay fresh and germ-free.

Why do towels feel hard post-wash?

It's a common scenario: you wash your towels, expecting them to come out soft and fluffy, but they turn out stiff and scratchy instead. The culprits are often detergent buildup, mineral deposits, or the wrong washer settings.

Understanding the hardness

Over time, towels can accumulate residues from detergents and fabric softeners. Moreover, hard water can leave mineral deposits within the fabric fibres. These residues can make towels feel hard and less absorbent.

By paying attention to how you wash and the products you use, you can ensure your towels remain soft, absorbent, and comforting after each wash.

How to wash and dry towels

Maintaining the plush comfort of your towels requires a bit more than just tossing them into the machine. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to ensure your towels stay soft, absorbent, and hygienic:

Step 1: Consult the laundry care label

Every towel comes with a laundry care label sewn into it, which carries vital information regarding washing and drying guidelines. The instructions may include the ideal water temperature, the recommended wash cycle, whether or not bleach can be used, and the proper dryer setting. Following these guidelines will ensure that you're treating your towels in a way that will preserve their quality and longevity.

Step 2: Separate towels by colour

Sorting towels by colour is crucial to prevent colours from bleeding into each other. It's advisable to wash white towels separately to maintain their brightness. Similarly, dark coloured towels should be washed together to prevent fading and colour transfer which can occur when mixed with lighter colours.

For more tips on how to properly care for different colours and prevent discolouration, check out our guide on How to wash your coloured clothes.

Step 3: Pre-treat stains

Although stains on towels can be stubborn, pre-treating them can help significantly. Apply a small amount of detergent or a stain remover directly onto the stain, gently rubbing it in with a soft-bristled brush. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes before washing, giving the cleaning agents time to work on breaking down the stain.

Step 4: Load towels in the washer

Loading the towels correctly ensures a thorough clean. It's essential not to overload the washing machine as towels need enough space to move freely during the wash cycle for effective cleaning and rinsing. A general rule is to fill the washer only about three-quarters full.

Choose the right detergent

Detergent choice can affect the cleanliness and softness of your towels. High-efficiency detergents are ideal for HE washers, such as front load washing machines, as they produce fewer suds and rinse out more easily. If you live in a hard water area, consider a detergent formulated to combat mineral buildup.

If you're unsure which detergent to use, refer to our article Pods vs. liquid vs. powder: Choose the best laundry detergent to find the right option for your laundry needs.

What setting to wash towels in washing machine?

Selecting the right washer setting is vital. A warm or hot water setting coupled with a heavy-duty cycle is ideal for thorough cleaning, especially for white towels as it helps in better stain removal and bacteria elimination.

Add detergent and other additives

Adding the correct amount of detergent is essential to avoid residue buildup. If your towels have become stiff, adding a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle can help break down detergent and fabric softener residues, restoring softness.

Step 5: Dry towels properly

Add detergent and other additives

Over-drying can make towels stiff and rough. It's advisable to set the dryer on a medium heat setting and to remove towels while they are still slightly damp, allowing them to air dry for the remaining time.

Shake towels out

Shaking towels out before and after drying helps to fluff up the fibres, restoring some of their original softness and fluffiness. It also helps in getting rid of any leftover lint.

Step 6: Fold or hang towels

Once your towels are dry, promptly fold or hang them to prevent wrinkles and maintain their shape. Properly folded or hung towels will also ensure they are ready for use when needed, keeping them fresh and neat.

Discover the benefits of Electrolux washing machines for pristine towels

Electrolux washing machines are meticulously designedto ensure your towels come out clean, soft, and ready for use.

Superior drum design

Our machines feature a gentle drum design ensuring a thorough yet tender wash, preserving the fabric quality of your towels over numerous wash cycles.

Precise detergent dispensing

Equipped with an efficient detergent dispensing system, it guarantees the right amount of detergent is used, averting residue buildup which can cause towels to feel hard.

Tailored wash cycles

With customisable wash cycles, you can select the perfect setting suited for towels, ensuring they receive the meticulous care they deserve.

Energy and water efficiency

Embracing eco-friendliness, our washing machines are engineered to be energy-efficient and water-conserving, making your towel laundry routine both eco-friendly and economical.

For more practical tips to lower your energy usage, check out our 8 tips on how to save electricity when using a washing machine.