🧺 How to Soften Your Towels (and Keep Them Fluffy)

August 01, 2025

We all love the feeling of stepping out of the shower and wrapping ourselves in a soft, fluffy towel. But over time, even the highest-quality towels can start to feel stiff, rough, and less luxurious. The good news? With the right care, your towels can stay plush, absorbent, and hotel-soft for years to come.

Here’s your ultimate guide to keeping towels soft, fresh, and comfortable in every wash.

💡 Why Do Towels Get Hard and Scratchy?

Surprisingly, your detergent and fabric softener may be to blame. Using too much detergent can cause build-up on towel fibers, while traditional softeners often coat them with residue, reducing absorbency and making towels feel stiff over time.

🌀 How to Wash Towels the Right Way

To maintain soft, clean towels, start by washing them properly:

  • Wash towels separately from clothes, especially white towels. Washing towels with everyday laundry can cause lint build-up and dull their brightness.

  • Avoid overloading the washing machine: Towels need space to soak and spin freely.

  • Use less detergent: About ¼ of your usual dose is enough.

  • Use warm or cold water: This helps dissolve residue and refresh fibres—ideal for Singapore’s moisture-prone environment.

Explore our beautiful range of high-quality towels, designed to last. 

🌿 How to Soften Towels Naturally

If your towels already feel rough, don’t worry. Follow this easy two-step method to bring back the softness:

  1. First Wash – With Baking Soda:

    • Add ½ cup of baking soda to your wash cycle along with a small amount of detergent.

    • This helps break down odours, eliminate mildew, and lift any stubborn build-up.

  2. Second Wash – With White Vinegar:

    • Run a second wash with no detergent.

    • Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment.

    • The vinegar removes any leftover soap and helps restore the towel’s natural softness.

🧴 Avoid Traditional Fabric Softeners

While they may smell nice, most commercial softeners coat towel fibres, making them water-repellent and harder over time. For long-term fluffiness, skip the softener and opt for vinegar instead—it’s natural, affordable, and highly effective.

🌤 How to Dry Towels for Maximum Softness

  • Using a dryer? Toss in a clean tennis ball or dryer balls. This helps fluff the fibres and soften towels as they tumble.

  • No dryer? No worries.

    • Shake towels well before hanging them out to dry.

    • Always air-dry in the shade to prevent damage from sunlight.

    • Give them another shake before folding to keep the fibres light and soft.

🛍️ Shop High-Quality Towels

Looking to upgrade your towel game? At Robinsons, we offer a curated collection of ultra-soft, high-absorbency towels crafted from premium cotton and designed to last. Whether you’re refreshing your bath essentials or gifting someone a touch of everyday luxury, you’ll find the perfect towel in our online store.

Experience the plush, spa-like comfort you deserve—right at home.