If your towels have turned hard and stiff, a professional cleaner who used to work for an Airbnb Superhost has shared an easy and natural way to restore them to their fluffy nature after one wash – and it doesn’t involve white vinegar or baking soda.
Laundry can be a challenge, especially with items like towels that require extra care during washing. After just a few washes, many households find their towels becoming stiff, often due to soapy residue and over-drying. While some may enjoy the sensation of coarse towels, it’s not to everyone’s liking.
To return towels to their original softness after a single wash, there’s a simple, natural method that doesn’t involve white vinegar or baking soda.
They further assured followers: “I can 100% confirm that these two ingredients will restore all the original fluffiness to your towels. It’s not what you might think – no bicarb or white vinegar.”
According to the expert, the solution lies in using soda crystals and tea tree oil.
They explained the effectiveness of these ingredients by saying: “Because soda crystals are very alkaline, they break down the residues left by your detergent that build up on your towels over time.
“Tea tree oil is antibacterial, so it is a natural disinfectant. It also removes trapped moisture buildup in the fibres, helping to make your towels 100% fluffy again.”
The experts recommend liquid soda crystals for this trick as they’re “much easier to use and store”.
How to Restore Fluffiness to Your Towels with Just 2 Ingredients
Over time, even the softest and fluffiest towels can become stiff, scratchy, and lose their absorbency. This is usually due to a buildup of detergent, fabric softener, and minerals from hard water. But don’t worry — you don’t need expensive cleaners or brand-new towels. Two common household ingredients can bring them back to life: white vinegar and baking soda.
Why Towels Lose Their Softness
Every time you wash your towels with detergent and especially if you use fabric softener, a residue builds up on the fabric. This buildup prevents the fibers from doing their job — absorbing water — and it also makes them feel less soft. Over time, the towels become stiff, smell musty, and just don’t feel like they used to.
The 2-Ingredient Towel Rescue
You only need:
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- ½ cup of baking soda
These natural ingredients work wonders:
- White vinegar breaks down detergent and mineral buildup while also eliminating odors.
- Baking soda helps to lift out grime and soften the fabric naturally.
How to Wash Towels Back to Fluffy Perfection
Step 1: Wash with Vinegar
- Place your towels in the washing machine.
- Set the machine to a hot water cycle.
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar directly to the drum (not in the detergent dispenser).
- Run the cycle without adding any detergent or fabric softener.
Step 2: Wash with Baking Soda
- After the vinegar wash is complete, leave the towels in the washer.
- Run a second hot water cycle.
- Add ½ cup of baking soda directly to the drum.
- Again, do not add any detergent or softener.
Step 3: Dry Properly
- Once both washes are done, shake the towels out to fluff them up.
- Dry them on medium heat or line dry. If using a dryer, toss in some wool dryer balls or even a clean tennis ball to help keep the towels soft and fluffy.
Tips to Keep Towels Fluffy Going Forward
- Avoid fabric softeners: They coat towel fibers and reduce absorbency.
- Use less detergent: Too much causes buildup.
- Don’t overload the washer: Give towels room to rinse thoroughly.
- Dry completely: Towels that stay damp can smell and stiffen.
Final Thoughts
With just white vinegar and baking soda, you can restore the original fluffiness and freshness to your towels — no fancy products needed. Give it a try next time your towels feel more like sandpaper than a spa day. Your skin (and your laundry budget) will thank you!
