Forget fabric softener—this kitchen ingredient leaves your towels fluffy and smelling fresh

On: October 28, 2025 5:18 AM
Forget fabric softener—this kitchen ingredient leaves your towels fluffy and smelling fresh

How many times have you tried to wash your towels hoping they would come out like the ones in hotels, but failed? They’re not soft enough, or fluffy enough, or they don’t dry properly, or they don’t smell completely clean. This happens to most of us. However, the experts at Arenal have the tricks to make your towels perfect without driving yourself crazy in the process and without having to spend money on expensive products.

That’s why you should follow all the steps in this home remedy to get the results you want. Keep in mind that it’s best to wash them in cold water and separate from other clothes. Don’t use too much fabric softener, as it could affect how well the towels dry. As an alternative, you can use white vinegar. It’s important to let them air dry to prevent bacteria growth and bad odors.

Care of towels

Who doesn’t want their towels to be soft and fluffy? If showering is already one of the most enjoyable moments of the day, why ruin it with a rough towel that doesn’t dry you properly? For many, showering is almost a ritual. It’s the moment that divides the day, separating the workday from leisure and rest. That’s why investing in good products can further enhance the experience.

A shampoo and body wash that smell good, leave your skin feeling soft, and continue to care for your skin with a quality towel. Plus, you don’t need to spend a lot, you just need to look for a few key items. What you have in your kitchen will help you achieve what you want and more.

Fabric care with home remedies

According to the experts at Arenal, there are a number of tricks that will keep your towels looking perfect, smelling fresh, and drying well. As they explain, “To keep our towels looking perfect, i.e., drying well, smelling fresh, retaining their color, not shedding fibers on your skin, and not retaining a musty smell, there are several factors and tricks to keep in mind. Follow these steps on how to wash towels for the first time and enjoy towels that are as soft as the first day! You already know that if you have just bought towels, you should wash them before using them. Wash them separately from other clothes.

You should do this not only now that they are new and more likely to shed lint or fibers, but it is always advisable to run a washing machine load with only towels so that they have enough space to get clean. Towels are very exposed to moisture and, therefore, to bacteria, so it is best to wash them separately. We recommend washing them in cold water and not using too much detergent. Adding more detergent won’t make the towels any cleaner; a small amount will suffice, so don’t use too much.

And how should you wash towels to keep them soft? Be careful with fabric softeners! Although we may be tempted to use fabric softeners to try to achieve that soft and fluffy effect we like so much, the reality is that fabric softeners reduce the absorbency of towels. So our advice is to avoid them. They also mention the use of fabric softeners: “As a trick, instead of fabric softener, you can pour a splash of white vinegar into the softener compartment to soften, eliminate odors, and remove stains. Or a small cup of scented ammonia and lemon to achieve that perfect finish we’re looking for.

Something that often concerns us is how to wash towels so they smell good. In this regard, we also have to be thorough before washing. After washing them, hang them up to dry immediately to prevent moisture from accumulating. First, shake them out to restore their shape, spread them out in the sun if possible so that they absorb better afterwards, and avoid leaving them for too long.

Do not pile up used towels, do not store them damp, leave them space to dry thoroughly after showering, and do not throw them in the laundry basket after use, for example, because this will cause moisture to remain impregnated and make it more difficult to get rid of. After washing them, hang them up to dry immediately to prevent moisture from accumulating. First, shake them out to restore their shape, spread them out in the sun if possible so that they absorb better afterwards, and avoid leaving them in the sun for too long so that they don’t become stiff.