How to Soften Towels

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

It's no fun to dry off with a stiff, scratchy towel. It's common for oils, grime, and chemicals to harden onto the fabric, making it rough and hard to handle. The cause may be your detergent, your laundry habits, or even your water supply – but there are steps you can take to fix it. Read on to learn how to soften tough towels!

Things You Should Know

  • Try washing your towels in warm water—or incorporate vinegar, baking soda, or fabric softener .
  • To soften towels through drying, try air drying, tumble drying on low heat, or adding dryer balls in with your load.
  • Using too much detergent or overfilling your washing machine can lead to stiff towels.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Washing and Soaking

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Soften-Towels-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Soften-Towels-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Soften-Towels-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1217320-v4-728px-Soften-Towels-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [1] Warmer water absorbs detergent better, which means that less soap residue is left caked onto the fabric. Furthermore, hot water can help dissolve oils that are left over from hygiene products and skin. [2]
    • Be aware that brightly-colored towels may fade with repeated hot-water washing. If you don't care about fading, then proceed to wash with hot water. If you want to retain the color, then wash with cold water and try other towel-softening techniques.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Soften-Towels-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Soften-Towels-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Soften-Towels-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/aid1217320-v4-728px-Soften-Towels-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Mix one cup fabric softener with as much hot water as you need to submerge your towels. Soak the towels in the softener solution for at least an hour, until the softener has had time to thoroughly permeate the fabric.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Soften-Towels-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Soften-Towels-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Soften-Towels-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid1217320-v4-728px-Soften-Towels-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Most commercial fabric softeners contain silicon, which can coat the surface of your towels and limit their absorptive properties. Use the extra rinse cycle when you machine-wash your towels, and use a half-cup of white vinegar instead of soap in the first cycle. The vinegar will remove the oils and soapy residue that toughen up your towel, making it fluffier and more absorbent. [3] Use a light soap (or just water) in the second rinse cycle to rinse out the smell of vinegar but retain the soft finish. [4]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Soften-Towels-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Soften-Towels-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Soften-Towels-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/aid1217320-v4-728px-Soften-Towels-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Try mixing half a cup of baking soda into your regular detergent. This should help wash away any oils, dirt, or chemicals that are making your towel stiff or scratchy. This is also great for removing musty odors – the sort of stink that develops when a towel has been left damp for a while. [5]
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Drying Techniques

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Soften-Towels-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Soften-Towels-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Soften-Towels-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid1217320-v4-728px-Soften-Towels-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Ideally, do this on a cool day with a light breeze. Once the towel is dry, knead it with your hands as though it is a piece of dough or a hunk of meat. This should help to loosen up the stiffness.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Soften-Towels-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Soften-Towels-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Soften-Towels-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid1217320-v4-728px-Soften-Towels-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [6] High heat will certainly make your towels fluffier, but it may also damage the integrity of the fabric. You can also alternate between air drying and high-heat tumble-drying. Try partially drying towels on the line, then finishing them up in the dryer for extra warmth and fluff. [7]
    • After drying, put the towel in for another round – but select the wrinkle-free option, if available. This will fluff the towel, which should help soften the fabric.
    • Always use dryer sheets when tossing your towels into the dryer. [8]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Soften-Towels-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Soften-Towels-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Soften-Towels-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/aid1217320-v4-728px-Soften-Towels-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Give each towel a thorough shake when it comes out of the wash, and also when it comes out of the dryer. This should help keep the fabric fluffy. [9]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Soften-Towels-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Soften-Towels-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Soften-Towels-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid1217320-v4-728px-Soften-Towels-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you tumble-dry your towels, pop a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls into the mix before closing the door. As the dry cycle rumbles, the balls will bounce around and pummel your towels. This should work the fibers and help soften up the stiff bits. [10]
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Stiff Towels

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Soften-Towels-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Soften-Towels-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Soften-Towels-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/aid1217320-v4-728px-Soften-Towels-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Laundry soap is highly concentrated, and a little bit goes a long way. If you use too much, the residue can congeal on the fabric, making the fibers stiff and scratchy. Try using less detergent than you normally would. [11] [12]
    • Too much detergent residue can also foster mold and bacterial growth – especially if a towel stays damp for a while.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Soften-Towels-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Soften-Towels-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Soften-Towels-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid1217320-v4-728px-Soften-Towels-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your home's water supply is "hard" and full of minerals, then the faucet or washing machine might be leaving chalky deposits in your towels. Consider buying a mineral filter to soften up your water supply, or washing your towels only with off-grid water. [13]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Soften-Towels-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Soften-Towels-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Soften-Towels-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid1217320-v4-728px-Soften-Towels-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the chamber is too full, it might be keeping your towels from getting a full rinse. This can leave the fabric stiff with residue from minerals, dirt, and detergent. [14]
    • The same goes for drying! Be patient and run multiple loads to avoid overcrowding.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Should I wash my towels after buying them?
    Kadi Dulude
    House Cleaning Professional
    Kadi Dulude is a House Cleaning Professional and the Owner of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning company. Kadi has over 10 years of experience and manages a team of over 90 registered cleaning professionals. Her cleaning advice has been featured in Architectural Digest and New York Magazine.
    Kadi Dulude
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    Sure! Actually, it is really important to wash towels, sheets and everything new before wearing.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How do I add vinegar to soften washcloths in a front-loading washing machine
    Community Answer
    Either pour the vinegar onto one of the towels before closing the door, or start the machine, wait until the water has stopped filling, open detergent drawer, and pour in the vinegar/water solution.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 15 Helpful 27
  • Question
    I just read about preventing stiff towels. I used to use fabric softener, but quit when I replaced all bath towels to royal velvet about 1 year ago; they advised cold water and no fabric softener. Now they are getting stiff. Do you suggest using once as directed?
    Tamara
    Top Answerer
    You can try putting 1/3 cup of vinegar into the washing machine's rinse cycle to soften your towels.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 10
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Remember: the longer you soak your towels in fabric softener, the softer and looser they get. If you let a towel soak for too long, you might ruin the fabric.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Naturally Soften Laundry
      How to
      Use a Washing Machine
      Yes, You Can Shrink Polyester, and Here’s How
      How to
      Do Laundry at a Laundromat
      The Best Way to Clean a Front-Loading Washing Machine
      How to Unblock a Clogged Washing Machine Drain
      How to
      Stretch Clothes
      How to
      Remove Static Electricity
      How to Shrink a Cotton Shirt in Boiling Water or the Washing Machine
      How to Remove Mold & Mildew from a Front-Loading Washer Gasket
      How to
      Make a Clothes Line
      How to Get Diesel Fuel Smell Off Your Clothes & Hands
      14 Ways to Use OxiClean Around the House
      How to Get the Formaldehyde Smell Out of Clothes
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2021.
      2. ↑ https://turkishtowelcompany.com/how-do-i-keep-towels-soft/
      3. ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2021.
      4. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/this-one-washing-trick-will-make-your-old-towels-feel-like-new/
      5. ↑ http://www.overstock.com/guides/how-to-keep-towels-fluffy-and-soft
      6. ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2021.
      7. ↑ http://turkishtowelcompany.com/how-do-i-keep-towels-soft#.Vk5xfnarR1s
      8. ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2021.
      9. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-keep-towels-fresh-fluffy/
      1. ↑ https://thehomemadeexperiment.com/how-to-use-wool-dryer-balls/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUZ4So0_3CQ
      3. ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2021.
      4. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a31614/how-to-soften-scratchy-towels/
      5. ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2021.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To soften towels, wash them in warm or hot water to reduce any soapy residue crusting up the fabric. You can also soak towels in fabric softener and hot water for 1 hour before washing them as usual. Another way to soften towels is to machine wash them with ½ cup of vinegar instead of soap in the first rinse cycle to remove oils and caked-on dirt. Moreover, mixing ½ cup of baking soda into your regular detergent can also wash away any chemicals that might be making your towels scratchy. To learn how different drying techniques can keep your towels soft, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 167,593 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Komal Shah

        Mar 6, 2017

        "Yes, baking powder and vinegar solution worked great. It softened the fabric of a napkin and also added shine. ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement