How to Keep Towels Soft: Helpful Tricks and a Practical Solution
Wrapping yourself in a soft towel after a shower is a small daily luxury. With repeated washing, however, towels can become rough, less absorbent , and lose their scent. Here, you'll find the real causes, mistakes to avoid, and simple remedies to restore their softness.
Why towels get rough
The main causes of loss of softness are:
- Detergent/fabric softener residue that remains in the fibers and stiffens them.
- Hard water (limescale) that settles on the fabric.
- Too intense spin cycles or drying in direct sunlight stress the filaments.
- Excessive loads in the washing machine that prevent a good rinse.
Natural remedies that work
Vinegar + lemon
Add 1 cup white vinegar and a few drops of lemon in the fabric softener tray. It helps dissolve residue, eliminates odors, and softens naturally.
Bicarbonate
In the washing machine (½ cup) or soaking (1 tablespoon in warm water): reduces limescale and improves the feel of the fabric.
Chamomile infusion
Prepare an infusion, let it cool and soak it for 20–30 minutes on already washed towels: it “relaxes” the fibers and gives freshness.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overfilling the drum (worsens washing and rinsing).
- Using excessive amounts of detergent or fabric softener.
- Leaving damp towels piled up (promotes odors and mold).
- Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during drying.
Optimal washing and drying (checklist)
- Separate whites, darks and colors.
- Temperature : 40–60 °C for cotton sponge; 30 °C for microfibre.
- Moderate spin : 800–1000 rpm.
- Liquid detergent , correct doses.
- Drying : air dry in a ventilated place or in a dryer on a delicate cycle.
laundry
soft towels
hard water
natural remedies
When to focus on fabric quality
Even with good habits, a poor fabric ages quickly. High-quality cotton terrycloth maintains volume, absorbency, and softness better. A useful technology is Zero Twist : untwisted yarns that make the terrycloth softer, lighter, and more absorbent over time.
A practical solution to evaluate
Once you've properly set up your washing and drying routines, consider a set designed to stay pleasant to the touch over time: the Zero Twist Terry Towel Set (face 60x100 cm + guest 40x60 cm), soft, lightweight, and super absorbent . They dry quickly and maintain their softness after numerous washes.
Conclusion and next steps
With a few tricks—the right doses, the right temperatures, and natural remedies—your towels can be soft and fragrant again. If you want extra help, consider the Zero Twist sponge as your daily ally.
