Want Fluffy Hotel Towels At Home? Try This Easy Laundry Trick
There’s something about hotel towels that just feel different. They’re soft, thick, and somehow always feel brand new. Then you come home, wash your own towels, and you get flat, scratchy disappointment. But here’s the thing: hotel towels aren’t magic. They just get the right kind of care. With a few simple laundry hacks, you can bring that same fresh, fluffy feeling to your own bathroom.
Skip The Fabric Softener
It sounds backward, but fabric softener is actually the enemy of fluffy towels. It leaves a waxy coating that builds up over time, making fibers stiff and less absorbent. Instead, use half a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle every few washes. It helps break down residue on towels and restores softness. Don’t worry, the smell disappears once the towels dry, leaving them clean and fresh.
Don’t Overload The Washer
Towels need space to move. If you cram too many in at once, they can’t rinse or fluff properly. Wash fewer towels at a time, even if it means doing an extra load. Think of it like giving them room to dance in the drum. You’ll notice they come out cleaner, lighter, and much softer once they dry. Sometimes, less really is more when it comes to laundry.
Wash In Warm Water, Not Hot
Hot water might seem like the best way to sanitize your laundry, but it’s harsh on towel fibers. Warm water cleans just as effectively without breaking them down. The result is towels that stay soft longer and keep their shape. If your towels have already gone stiff, give them one wash cycle with vinegar and warm water, then one with baking soda. It’s the best way to give them a refresh..
Shake Them Before Drying
This one feels almost too simple, but it makes a difference. Give each towel a good shake before tossing it into the dryer. It helps separate the fibers so air can move through the towel more easily, creating that light, bouncy texture. You can also pause halfway through drying to shake them again. It takes an extra minute, but it actually makes a huge difference.
Dry On Medium Heat
Cranking up the dryer might feel efficient, but high heat can make towels rough and brittle, just like washing in hot water. Medium heat is your sweet spot, as it’s gentler and gives fibers time to fluff up. Pull towels out while they’re still just slightly damp and let them air-dry the rest of the way. It’s a little extra work for a big payoff: towels that feel like clouds instead of cardboard.
Replace When It’s Time
Even the best routine can’t save a towel forever. After a few years, fibers wear down and lose their absorbency naturally. You’ll know it’s time when they stay flat no matter what you do. Don’t feel bad, it just means your towels have served you well. Use them for cleaning or donate them to an animal shelter, then treat yourself to a new set to start fresh.
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Fluffy towels make any shower better. That feeling of wrapping up in something soft and warm? It sets the tone for your whole day. And it doesn’t take expensive detergent or special equipment to get there. Just a few smart habits and a little extra care. Before long, your bathroom might start feeling a bit more like a five-star suite.
Bliss Donahue-Power
