Summer is here, and we’re all reaching for those fluffy, luxurious towels to wrap ourselves in after a refreshing shower or beach day. But why do hotel towels always feel so much softer and more indulgent than our own? The secret lies not in expensive brands or fancy detergents, but in a simple natural ingredient you probably already have in your kitchen pantry.
The hotel-quality towel secret hiding in your kitchen
That magical ingredient is baking soda – an affordable, non-toxic alternative that outperforms vinegar when it comes to towel maintenance. ”Baking soda is a better option than vinegar for achieving hotel-quality softness,” confirms laundry experts at Linens Limited. Unlike vinegar, which can gradually weaken fibers with its acidity, baking soda gently restores towels without compromising their integrity.
Why your towels lose their softness in the first place
Before diving into the solution, it’s important to understand the problem. Over time, towels become stiff and scratchy due to mineral buildup, detergent residue, and improper washing techniques. ”Baking soda will remove odour, grime, or chemicals that have built up and caused stiff, scratchy towels,” explains experts at Maison Blonde.
The natural baking soda method for summer-ready towels
”Add half a cup of baking soda directly to the wash for naturally clean and soft towels,” recommends Deyan, a cleaning expert quoted in House Beautiful. This simple addition helps neutralize the pH balance in your washing machine and dissolves the residues that make towels feel like sandpaper against your skin – perfect for sensitive summer skin after sun exposure.
”Sprinkling a small amount of baking soda into the wash cycle can help neutralize detergent residue and soften your towels.”
Step-by-step summer towel revival technique
Ready to transform your towels? Follow this simple protocol:
- Start with a small load (never overfill your machine)
- Add ½ cup baking soda directly to the drum
- Use half your regular amount of detergent
- Wash at 30-40°C (86-104°F)
The summer drying technique that makes all the difference
”Too much heat isn’t good for your towels and causes the fibres to knit together tightly. Try to air dry or use a low heat setting as much as possible,” advises Maison Blonde. The summer sunshine provides the perfect opportunity for natural air-drying, which many experts consider superior for maintaining towel softness.
For extra fluffiness, consider investing in wool dryer balls. ”These natural alternatives shake up the fibers during drying, creating that coveted hotel-like fluffiness while reducing drying time,” notes an expert from home care specialists.
Why you should avoid fabric softeners
”Don’t use fabric softener as conditioner coats the fibres of your towel and has an impact on the absorbency,” warns James Montgomery-Castle. This becomes especially important in summer when maximum absorbency is needed for beach trips and poolside lounging.
The long-term maintenance plan
For consistently soft towels, Lucy Ackroyd recommends, ”Wash your towels at 30 or 40 degrees, as repeated washing at higher temperatures will damage that precious cotton.” This gentle approach preserves the natural softness of your towels through the summer and beyond.
The environment and budget-friendly benefits
”Using baking soda also means that you won’t need to use as much detergent in your wash load which means less soap build up,” explains experts at Maison Blonde. This approach not only gives you luxury-feeling towels but also reduces your environmental impact and saves money on laundry products.
Is your summer self-care routine complete without soft towels?
As we embrace the warmer months, treat yourself to the simple luxury of hotel-quality towels at home. Like a warm embrace after a cool swim or a gentle touch after sun exposure, perfectly soft towels elevate everyday moments into wellness experiences. Why not try this natural method today and transform your summer self-care routine?