My Nana Swears by Putting This One Ingredient in the Wash to Soften Towels and Bed Sheets—Here’s How It Works
There’s nothing quite as luxurious as stepping out of a warm shower and wrapping yourself in a plush, soft towel or slipping into bed with silky-smooth sheets. However, over time, towels and bed linens can lose their softness, becoming stiff and rough due to detergent buildup, mineral deposits, and fabric wear. If you’ve been struggling with this problem, you’re not alone.
Fortunately, my Nana, who always seems to have the best home-care hacks, has a simple trick to keep towels and bed sheets irresistibly soft. The secret? White vinegar! Yes, this common pantry staple is a game-changer for laundry, and here’s exactly how it works and how you can use it to restore the plushness of your towels and linens.
Why White Vinegar Works
White vinegar is a natural fabric softener that helps break down detergent residue, dissolve mineral buildup from hard water, and balance the pH level of the fabric. Unlike commercial fabric softeners, which can leave behind a film that reduces absorbency, white vinegar effectively cleans and softens without any unwanted residue.
Step-by-Step Guide to Softening Towels and Bed Sheets with White Vinegar
What You’ll Need:
- White distilled vinegar (avoid apple cider or malt vinegar, as they may stain fabric)
- Your usual laundry detergent
- Baking soda (optional, for extra freshness)
Step 1: Load Your Washing Machine Properly
Before you start, separate towels from your bed sheets to ensure optimal cleaning. Overloading the machine can prevent the fabric from getting thoroughly cleaned, so make sure there’s enough room for water and detergent to circulate.
Step 2: Add Your Detergent and Vinegar
- Use half the amount of detergent you typically use to avoid excess buildup.
- Instead of commercial fabric softeners, add ½ to 1 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment or directly into the drum of your washing machine.
- If your towels and sheets are particularly stiff, consider running a pre-rinse cycle with just vinegar before adding detergent.
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