There’s nothing quite like the sensation of wrapping yourself in a plush towel after a shower, but improper washing can quickly rob them of their softness.
Towels can become stiff and abrasive if too much fabric softener is used during washing. This is because the fabric is highly absorbent and struggles to rinse out the excess liquid, leading to a soapy build-up that makes your towels feel rough to the touch.
However, Olivia, an expert from Clotheslyne, has revealed a simple trick to restore your laundry’s softness: using lemon juice in your washing machine.
She explained: “The citric acid present in lemon juice breaks down the residues left by detergents or soaps. Another appealing aspect is that this citrus powerhouse leaves your clothes with a refreshing scent — a win-win scenario!”
Olivia further noted: “As a bonus, the same approach applies to your towels and bedding. Using lemon juice in the rinse cycle can help to keep them soft and fluffy, promoting a cosy and inviting atmosphere in your home.”
Lemon juice, being acidic, can break down residue left over from fabric softener build-up, naturally helping to relax the fibres and make them less rigid, reports the Express.
Hard water, characterised by high levels of minerals such as magnesium and calcium, can also cause laundry to feel stiff. The citric acid in lemon juice can naturally break down these minerals, helping to soften your towels and other laundry items.
Olivia remarked: “Lemon juice also acts as a natural remedy for hard water. Its acidic property demineralizes the hard water and ensures the laundry is soft and comfortable.”
How to effectively use lemon juice for softer towels
Follow these straightforward steps to ensure your towels come out soft and fluffy from the wash.
First up, always do a normal wash without cramming too many towels in; they need space to clean thoroughly. After the load finishes, set your machine for another rinse cycle. Here’s the key: pour 60ml of lemon juice directly into the detergent compartment before kick-starting the cycle.
Drying the towels requires a bit of care too. Opt for a gentle tumble dry with low heat, tossing in some dryer balls for that extra fluffiness. Alternatively, hang them outside where a light breeze can work its magic, just make sure you don’t leave them out too long or intense sunlight could turn them scratchy. Once dry, those towels should be wonderfully rejuvenated, offering nothing but softness on touch.