Six easy ways to get ‘luxurious and fluffy’ towels without a tumble dryer
Towels can turn tough quite quickly after buying them, which makes them unpleasant to use. An expert has shared "handy tips" on making them feel like they have come straight from a hotel.
How to remove musty damp smells from towels
Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms said: “It’s an unpleasant experience when towels start to go stale and have a damp odour after a few months of usage.
“Even after washing them the foul smell can still linger and the texture will have deteriorated.
“The trick is to use cleaning methods which hotels and spas follow to make their linens so luxurious.
“Products like white vinegar, bleach and extra fabric conditioner are some of the ways to give towels a new spruce of life.
“Towels should be replaced every two years but they may be able to survive a few months longer by using these handy tips.”
1. Bleach
According to the expert, a small amount of bleach can help to bring white towels back to their original condition.
Make sure to not use bleach in every wash otherwise the colour of the towels may begin to fade.
Simply add a quarter of a cup of bleach into the washing machine and put the towels on a hot wash.
2. White vinegar
According to the expert, the use of white vinegar when washing towels is a popular “trick” used by “hotels and spas everywhere”.
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The 29p ingredient can help to strip the dirt and bacteria out of towels while bringing their colour back to life.
If the towels still have a damp odour, add a quarter cup of baking soda into the wash to eliminate the unpleasant smell. Nic said this works great in removing stains to make them appear brand new.
3. Double detergent
The expert said: “To achieve the soft, fluffy texture, it’s worth doubling up on detergent and fabric conditioner now and again to enhance the luxurious feel.
“It can also expand the lifespan of towels as it reduces friction during the wash which tends to cause damage to the material.”
4. Hand soaking
Nic continued: “Hand soaking the towels in a sink or a bath with hot water and baking soda will help strip hard water and cleansing products out of the material. Allow it to soak for an hour and then put it into the washing machine.”
5. High temperatures
Washing towels at a high temperature prevents the build-up of soap scum as well as strips any shampoos which have lingered in the material.
The ideal temperature is between 40C and 60C to get rid of all the germs and bacteria in the towels.
6. Light loads
Nic said: “The lighter the load, the better. Don’t put all the towels, bath mats and hand towels in the washing machine at one time.
“Do the towels separately so they can absorb the cleaning product and detergent to get the luxurious and fluffy finish”.