Washing towels with one natural ingredient will make them white and fluffy again.
Wrapping yourself in a plush towel after a bath or shower is one of life's simple pleasures, but it can be a letdown if the fabric starts to feel rough. Towels often lose their softness and turn a dingy grey due to improper washing, especially when fabric softener or bleach is used.
Baking soda for towels is a game-changing solution that many overlook.
Since towels are super absorbent, the soap in fabric softener can get trapped in the fibres and can't be easily rinsed away, building up over time. Using bleach to whiten towels can clog the material with chemicals and soap, making it rough, greasy, and discolored. However, you don't have to discard spoiled white towels.
Experts from Weavve Home have shared a simple way to restore towels using a natural ingredient. They state, "Bleaching might be effective in removing unwanted stains, but these agents weaken the fibres and eventually damage your bath essentials. If you still want that whitening effect, try soaking them in a solution of baking soda and water."
Washing new towels with baking soda will loosen and soften up the fibres, cleaning out any residue, dirt, or gunk. This helps in restoring your white fabrics to their original bright and fluffy glory while also eliminating those pesky but inevitable musty odors.
Baking soda will clear towels of any built-up residue to help clean them. It may seem unusual, but baking soda is a fantastic natural cleaner as it is alkaline, which can help neutralize acidic soapy residue clinging to the towel fibres.
Baking soda for towels is an effective method because it is also abrasive, scrubbing away dirt and chemicals without damaging the fibres. It boosts the effectiveness of laundry detergent while deeply cleaning the towels, ensuring they come out of the washing machine fluffier and whiter.
How to Clean Towels with Baking Soda:
1. Prepare the Wash: Place your towels in the washing machine and add both laundry detergent and baking soda to the detergent drawer.
2. Avoid Overloading: Be cautious not to overload the washing machine, as this prevents proper rinsing and reduces the effectiveness of the baking soda solution.
3. Set the Temperature: Wash towels at 140°F (60°C) to help kill germs, but avoid hotter settings to reduce the chance of shrinking.
4. Choose a Gentle Cycle: Select a gentle wash cycle lasting at least 40 to 50 minutes for optimal results.
5. Rinse Cycle: After washing, perform a rinse cycle without adding any fabric softener. If you prefer, you can add a small amount of white vinegar during this step, which is a natural alternative that helps fluff towels and eliminate bacteria.
6. Drying: Once washed, dry towels on low heat in a tumble dryer or hang them up to air dry. Your towels should visibly look whiter and feel significantly softer after just one wash.
Avoid mixing baking soda and white vinegar together in the wash, as they will neutralize each other, diminishing their cleaning power. Use baking soda for towels during the washing cycle and save the vinegar for the rinse cycle.
Restoring towel softness and brightness naturally ensures you're not subjecting your fabrics to harsh chemicals that can cause long-term wear. Following this natural towel cleaning method not only keeps your towels looking their best but also promotes longevity.
Incorporating this simple practice of using baking soda to restore towel softness means you can enjoy fluffy, fresh-smelling towels time and time again. Whether you’re getting ready for a cozy bath or preparing for guests, having delightful towels on hand will elevate your bathing experience.