After a long, luxurious shower, the icing on top of that self-care cake is a soft, fluffy towel that smells just as amazing as it feels. However, if you’ve ever experienced dull, stiff towels, you know how it can throw off your post-shower vibes. Contrary to popular belief, towels require a different kind of laundry treatment than your regular clothes. Here are a few hacks for the softest, freshest towels that instantly make your bathroom feel like a five-star spa.

1. Vinegar Magic: The Softness Elixir

Imagine stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a towel so soft, it feels like a gentle hug. Sound like a dream? It’s not – thanks to the unexpected powers of vinegar. This isn’t some designer vinegar variation. It’s the same vinegar you use in your salads and it can work wonders for your laundry. Adding just half a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine during the rinse cycle is all it takes to uncover the secret to irresistibly soft material.

So, how does it work? Vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener, breaking down detergent residue and mineral deposits that can make towels feel stiff and scratchy.

2. Dryer Ball Brilliance: Fluffiness Redefined

With dryer balls, your wish for fluffy, cloud-like towels can become a reality. These nifty little gadgets are designed to aerate your laundry as it tumbles in the dryer, preventing fabrics from clumping together. The result feels like a dream against your skin.
Just toss a few dryer balls into the dryer along with your towels, and let them work their magic. Your towels will come out softer and fluffier than ever before, and you’ll also save time and energy by reducing drying time. It’s a win-win situation that will leave you wondering how you ever lived without dryer balls.

3. Essential Oil Euphoria: The Scent Sensation

What’s better than soft, fluffy towels? Soft, fluffy towels that smell incredible, of course! That’s where essential oils come in. A lot of fabric softeners have essential oils as ingredients, however, the additional synthetic ingredients can dull their effectiveness. Go straight to the source by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a damp washcloth before tossing it in the dryer with your towels is all it takes to infuse them with a delightful scent that lingers long after they’ve dried.

What kinds of oils should you use? Lavender is a popular choice because it’s known for its calming properties, making it perfect for unwinding after a long day. Eucalyptus, on the other hand, has a refreshing scent that can help clear your sinuses and invigorate your senses. Other popular essential oils for laundry include peppermint, lemon, and tea tree oil, each bringing its unique aroma and benefits to your towels.

4. Avoid Overloading: The Towel Commandment

Resist the temptation to cram too many towels into a single load. Overloading the washer or dryer can prevent your towels from fully absorbing water and detergent, resulting in lackluster softness and scent. Go for smaller loads to ensure each towel gets the attention it deserves. Additionally, overcrowding the washer or dryer can also lead to uneven drying and increased wear and tear on your towels. By washing and drying them in smaller batches, you’ll not only achieve better results but also prolong the lifespan of your towels, saving you money in the long run.

5. Skip the Fabric Softener: A Surprising Revelation

It seems intuitive to every fabric softener advertisement you’ve ever seen—isn’t that its job? In some cases, fabric softener can actually hinder your quest for soft, fresh-smelling towels. It can leave behind a residue that can diminish absorbency and trap odors. Additionally, the artificial fragrances in fabric softeners can clash with the scent of your laundry detergent or essential oils, resulting in an unpleasant odor.