How To Wash Towels To Keep Them Fluffy And Soft In Just A Few Steps

Think of the small joys of daily life, a cup of hot chai on a rainy evening, the aroma of freshly cooked parathas, or stepping out of a shower and wrapping up in a warm, soft towel. Towels might not get the same attention as clothes or fine bedsheets, yet they play an important role in everyday comfort. Unfortunately, after a few washes, towels often lose their softness, becoming limp and lifeless.

This isn't just about how they look or feel. Rough towels can irritate the skin, and stiff fibres don't absorb water properly. The trick lies in the washing routine. A few changes in how towels are cleaned, dried, and stored can make all the difference. Here's a step-by-step 10-point guide that keeps towels fluffy, fresh, and ready to hug you after every bath.

Here's how to wash your towels the right way to keep them soft and fluffy; Photo Credit: FreePik

1. Don't Overload The Washing Machine

It's tempting to stuff a washing machine to its brim, especially when laundry piles up like a mountain. But towels need space to breathe while being washed. Overcrowding prevents water and detergent from moving through the fibres properly, leaving them stiff and less absorbent.

Imagine cramming five people onto a scooter, chaos, discomfort, and no room to move. Towels feel the same way in a packed drum. Instead, wash a smaller batch. Allow them to spin freely so that the detergent rinses out completely. Not only does this help in maintaining softness, but it also ensures they smell fresher.

A simple rule? If your machine is more than two-thirds full, you've gone too far. Washing in smaller loads might feel slower, but the result, fluffy towels that feel like clouds, is worth every minute.

2. Wash In Warm, Not Hot, Water

The right water temperature works wonders. Hot water can damage towel fibres over time, making them rough and brittle. Cold water, on the other hand, might not always clean heavy towels properly, especially when they've been used multiple times.

Warm water strikes the perfect balance. It's gentle enough to protect fibres yet strong enough to remove oils, soap residues, and odours. Think of it as finding the sweet spot in a cup of chai, neither scalding hot nor disappointingly lukewarm.

Adding half a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle once in a while also helps dissolve leftover detergent, keeping towels soft. It's a trick many grandmothers swear by, and they weren't wrong. This small tweak ensures towels stay plush without losing their strength.

3. Use Less Detergent Than You Think

It's natural to believe that more detergent means cleaner towels. But too much detergent leaves behind soapy residue that clings to fibres, weighing them down. This residue stiffens towels and reduces their absorbency.

Instead, use about half the recommended amount of detergent for a towel-only wash. Towels don't need heavy scrubbing, just a proper rinse. In fact, the less detergent, the fluffier they'll feel. If towels have built up residue over time, give them a “reset wash”, first with vinegar and water, then with baking soda and water. This clears away all the build-up and revives their softness.

The point is simple: clean doesn't mean drowning in detergent bubbles. Sometimes, less truly is more, especially when it comes to laundry.

Use less detergent to protect your towels from soapy residue; Photo Credit: Pexels

4. Skip Fabric Softeners And Conditioners

Fabric softeners smell divine and make clothes feel silky. But for towels, they're a silent enemy. Softener coats fibres with a thin film, making them water-repellent instead of absorbent. The result? Towels that feel slippery but refuse to soak up water.

Instead of liquid softeners, use natural alternatives like vinegar or baking soda. They break down residues and keep fibres open, allowing the towel to remain both soft and absorbent. The bonus? They're budget-friendly, ₹50 worth of vinegar lasts much longer than expensive branded softeners.

This small switch helps towels last longer and keeps them fresh without sacrificing absorbency.

5. Shake Towels Before Drying

A simple shake might not sound like much, but it works wonders. Before hanging towels out to dry or tossing them in the dryer, give them a good shake. This loosens the fibres, allowing them to dry evenly and regain their fluffiness.

Think of it like flapping a bedsheet before spreading it, everything falls into place, smooth and neat. Similarly, shaking towels helps them dry faster and prevents clumping.

It's a small step, often overlooked, but the difference is noticeable. A quick shake before drying ensures towels don't come out flat or hard. Instead, they'll be light, airy, and soft to touch.

Also Read: The Hygiene Factor: Tips For Keeping Your Face Towels Fresh And Clean

6. Dry Properly, But Avoid Over-Drying

Drying plays a crucial role in towel care. Too much heat in the dryer can burn fibres, while damp drying can leave them musty. If possible, line-dry towels under the sun, letting natural air do the work. Sunlight not only dries but also disinfects, giving towels a fresh outdoor scent.

If using a dryer, set it on medium heat. Add a few dryer balls or even clean tennis balls to fluff them up. Over-drying makes towels harsh, so keep an eye out and remove them when they're just dry, not stiff.

The right balance keeps towels soft without wearing them out. Just like with cooking rotis, too much heat burns, too little leaves them raw.

Do not dry your towels for too long to prevent them from getting harsh and rough; Photo Credit: Pexels

7. Wash Towels Separately From Clothes

Towels are heavy and produce lint. Washing them with lighter clothes can lead to lint sticking everywhere, and it also prevents proper cleaning. Mixing them with jeans or shirts isn't ideal either, as heavier fabrics rub against fibres, wearing them down.

Keep towels separate. This ensures they get the right wash cycle and stay fluffy without linting on every black t-shirt in the house. Plus, it's more hygienic, towels absorb sweat, oils, and soap residues, so they deserve their own wash.

Treat towels like special guests; they deserve their own seat at the washing table. This one habit extends their lifespan while sparing your clothes unnecessary fuzz battles.

8. Avoid Using Towels Too Long Between Washes

Many people reuse towels for days on end. While it seems harmless, damp towels become breeding grounds for bacteria and odour. Using them repeatedly before washing makes them lose softness faster and creates that unpleasant “wet” smell.

Ideally, wash bath towels every three to four uses. Hand towels need even more frequent washing since they're used multiple times a day. This doesn't just keep towels fluffy but also ensures skin stays healthy and fresh.

Skipping washes might save time, but in the long run, it wears down the very comfort towels are meant to provide. Freshly washed towels feel better, smell better, and last longer.

9. Store Towels Correctly

Storage makes a difference. Folding damp towels and stacking them in a closed cupboard traps moisture, leading to mildew and a musty smell. Always ensure towels are fully dry before storing them.

For extra freshness, tuck in a small cotton bag with dried neem leaves or lavender inside your cupboard. Neem keeps insects away, while lavender adds a soothing fragrance. Both are low-cost solutions compared to chemical deodorisers.

Neatly folded, properly dried towels not only look inviting but also feel softer when used. After all, half the joy of a towel is in that first touch against the skin.

Store towels folded neatly and dry well before keeping them away; Photo Credit: FreePik

10. Invest In Good-Quality Towels And Rotate Them

Lastly, even the best washing tricks can't revive towels that are too old or poor in quality. Invest in good cotton towels, they're worth the money. Instead of overusing the same two, keep a set and rotate them. This gives each towel time to rest, dry, and recover its softness.

Think of it as cricket players in a match, you wouldn't expect one bowler to take every over without rest. Towels too need rotation for peak performance. A set of four to six good-quality towels, costing around ₹400–₹600 each, lasts longer and feels consistently soft.

This final step ensures that all the care given in washing pays off, keeping the bathroom stocked with fluffy comfort every day.

Products Related To This Article

1. Cloth Fusion 100% Cotton 500 GSM Towels for Bath Large Size Set of 2

2. UrbanLeaf Super Soft Microfiber Hand Towels

3. Yellow Weaves Super Soft Microfiber Hand Towels

4. Trident 100% Cotton Towels for Bath

5. Amazon Brand - Solimo 100% Cotton 2 Piece Bath Towel Set

6. HEELIUM Bamboo Bath Towel

7. haus & kinder Allure Zero Twist Bath Towel Pack of 2

Soft towels are not just about luxury; they're about comfort and care. From using the right amount of detergent to shaking them before drying, each step adds to the fluffiness. Towels that feel rough and unwelcoming can easily be revived with small, thoughtful habits.

The goal isn't just to wash them but to love them, after all, towels touch the skin more than most clothes do. Treat them right, and they'll reward you with years of softness, warmth, and that little slice of daily happiness every bath deserves. And if you are tired of old, dull ones, you can buy new towels online from the comfort of your home. 

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.