How to Keep Your Towels Soft and Fluffy After Multiple Washes

There’s nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy towel after a refreshing shower. But as time goes on, even the most luxurious towels can become stiff, rough, or scratchy due to frequent washing, hard water, or incorrect care. The good news? With the right care routine, you can extend the life of your towels and maintain their softness for years to come. In this blog, we’ll share tried-and-tested tips on how to keep your towels soft and fluffy after multiple washes.

Why Do Towels Get Rough Over Time?

Towels lose their softness primarily due to:

• Detergent buildup: Excess soap clings to the towel fibers, making them stiff.

• Hard water: Minerals in hard water coat towel fibers, leading to roughness.

• Overdrying: High heat in the dryer damages the loops of the towel.

• Fabric softeners: Ironically, regular use of softeners can reduce absorbency and softness by coating fibers.

Understanding these causes is the first step to better towel care. Now let’s dive into the solutions.

1. Wash Towels Less Frequently (But Smartly)

It’s tempting to toss towels into the wash after a single use, but that’s often unnecessary. Unless the towel is soiled or damp for long periods, you can use it 3–4 times before washing.

• Hang towels properly: Let them dry completely between uses.

• Avoid overcrowding the washing machine: This ensures thorough rinsing and prevents excess friction between towels.

2. Use Less Detergent

More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner towels. In fact, using too much soap can leave residue that stiffens fibers.

• Use half the recommended amount of detergent.

• Choose a gentle, low-suds detergent free of harsh chemicals or fragrances.

Every 3–4 washes, run a cleaning cycle using 1 cup of white vinegar instead of detergent to break down buildup and restore softness.

3. Avoid Fabric Softeners

Though advertised as a solution for softness, liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets often do more harm than good to towels. They coat the fibers with a waxy film that:

• Reduces absorbency

• Traps odor-causing bacteria

• Causes long-term roughness

Instead, use white vinegar during the rinse cycle as a natural softener and deodorizer.

4. Embrace Baking Soda

Baking soda acts as a fabric freshener, odor neutralizer, and water softener.

How to use:

• Add ½ cup of baking soda with your detergent during the wash cycle.

• Follow up with a vinegar rinse.

This combo not only removes detergent buildup but also fluffs up towel fibers.

5. Wash in Warm Water, Not Hot

High water temperatures can break down towel fibers over time. For most towels:

• Use warm or cool water for washing.

• Save hot water washes for deep cleaning or sanitizing occasionally.

Also, always read the care label to see the temperature recommendation for your specific towel material.

6. Shake Towels Before Drying

Before transferring wet towels from the washer to the dryer:

• Shake them out vigorously.

This action helps fluff the loops, separates the fibers, and prevents matting during drying.

7. Dry Properly — But Don’t Overdo It

Dryers can restore some of the fluffiness that washing takes away, but overdrying is damaging. Here's how to dry your towels right:

• Use a low to medium heat setting.

• Add dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer. They move through the load, separate the fibers, and enhance air circulation, reducing drying time and softening towels naturally.

• Don’t leave towels in the dryer once done — remove them promptly to avoid stiffness.

8. Air-Dry Towels Occasionally

While machine drying helps keep towels fluffy, it’s good to let them air dry occasionally — especially in the sun. Sunlight has natural antibacterial properties and freshens towels. Just avoid leaving them out too long as direct sunlight can fade color and stiffen fibers.

Tip: If you air-dry your towel and it feels stiff, toss it in the dryer for 5–10 minutes with dryer balls to soften it again.

9. Treat Hard Water Issues

If you live in an area with hard water, minerals in the water can stiffen towels and leave a film even after rinsing. Here’s what you can do:

• Use a water softening system if possible.

• Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.

• Consider using special detergents formulated for hard water.

10. Invest in High-Quality Towels

Prevention is better than cure. Not all towels are created equal, and lower-quality towels tend to lose softness quickly.

Look for towels that are:

• Made of 100% combed or ring-spun cotton

• Medium to high GSM (grams per square meter) for a balance of absorbency and softness

• OEKO-TEX® certified for chemical-free materials

High-quality towels last longer, feel better, and respond well to proper care routines.

Conclusion

Keeping your towels soft and fluffy isn’t complicated — it just takes a few tweaks to your laundry routine. From using the right amount of detergent to incorporating natural softeners like vinegar and baking soda, these small changes can dramatically improve the life and feel of your towels. Combine this with proper drying techniques and a little TLC, and your towels will remain spa-worthy for years to come.

Want to experience everyday luxury? Explore Cotton Home’s 100% cotton towel collection for ultra-soft, durable towels designed to last through countless washes — and still feel brand new.