Spending money on the fluffiest towels you can find to replicate the hotel towels you can’t stop thinking about can feel like a silly purchase sometimes.
Especially as the cost of living continues to rise and energy and food bills are yet to see a substantial fall.
Plus, the chances of your new towels staying bright and soft are rather low.
That was until experts at Flour Sack Towels discovered a cheap household hack using a cupboard staple most people are bound to have in their kitchen.
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The towel professionals recommend that washing towels with vinegar can help to freshen them up, remove any build-up of detergent or fabric softener residue, and restore their absorbency.
Here is their step-by-step guide to achieving the towels of your dreams.
You will need:
- White distilled vinegar
- A Washing machine
- Mild laundry detergent
- Baking soda (optional)
At Tesco, the supermarket's own branded Distilled Vinegar (568ml) is currently priced at 29p.
This is also an ‘Aldi Price Match’.
How to restore your towels and keep them fresh
Preparation: Place your towels in the washing machine.
Load size: Make sure not to overload the washing machine. The towels need room to agitate and rinse properly.
Washing cycle: Set the washing machine to run a hot water cycle. Add your usual amount of mild laundry detergent. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of white distilled vinegar directly to the washing machine drum along with the detergent. This vinegar will help break down detergent and fabric softener buildup on the towels, which can reduce their absorbency.
Additional rinse: After the washing cycle completes, run an additional rinse cycle with just water. This helps ensure that all the detergent and vinegar residues are thoroughly rinsed out.
Dry the towels: Dry the towels in the dryer on a medium to high heat setting. Make sure they are fully dry before using them. If you don't have a dryer, you can hang them outside in the sun or indoors to air dry.
Check absorbency: After washing and drying the towels, check their absorbency. They should feel softer and more absorbent. If you're not satisfied with the results, you can repeat the process or try a few alternative methods.
Alternative methods: Some people find success using baking soda in addition to vinegar. If you want to try this, add 1/2 cup of baking soda along with your detergent during the initial wash cycle.
Another method is using a cup of ammonia along with the detergent. Be cautious when using ammonia, as it can be harsh on some fabrics and should be used sparingly.
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Maintenance: To maintain the absorbency of your towels, avoid using too much detergent and fabric softener, as these can build up on the towels over time. Use vinegar or baking soda periodically to help prevent this buildup.
To prolong the lifespan and maintain the absorbency of your towels, the experts at Flour Sack Towels also recommend “washing your towels regularly with a mild detergent and avoid using fabric softeners as this can leave a residue that reduces absorbency.
“In addition to this, avoid overloading your washing machine to allow for proper cleaning and dry your towels thoroughly, as damp towels can become breeding grounds for bacteria and odours.”
How often should you replace towels?
They added: “Finally, you should consider replacing your towels every few years to ensure you have the best drying experience.
“Remember that the type and quality of towels you purchase can also impact their absorbency.
“Towels made from high-quality materials like Egyptian or Pima cotton tend to be more absorbent and durable.”
Read the rules here