You’re Probably Washing Your Towels Wrong – Here’s How to Fix It

We’ve all experienced it: you step out of a soothing shower and reach for your towel… only to be met with something that feels more like sandpaper than a soft embrace.

Unless you’re after a full-body exfoliation, stiff, crunchy towels are a definite no-go. The good news? You don’t need to replace your towels — you just need to care for them correctly.

From choosing the right detergent to drying them the right way, here’s how to keep your towels luxuriously soft and fluffy after every wash.

1. Use Less Detergent — Seriously

One of the biggest mistakes is using too much detergent. It leaves a residue that builds up in the fibres, causing towels to feel stiff and scratchy over time.

🧼 Tip: Use only a small amount of liquid detergent, which dissolves more easily than powder. Avoid fabric softeners altogether — they coat towel fibres and reduce absorbency.

2. Always Double Rinse

Towels tend to absorb a lot of detergent, especially in Singapore’s high-humidity environment. A second rinse cycle helps ensure no soapy residue lingers after the wash.

Why it works:

• Thoroughly removes leftover detergent

• Helps maintain plushness

• Protects natural cotton fibres from stiffness

🌿 Bonus: A gentle wash with more water (and an extra rinse) is still eco-conscious if it means longer-lasting towels and fewer replacements.

3. Choose the Right Washing Machine Settings

Not all cycles are created equal when it comes to towel care. Here’s how to get it right:

• Use the “Cotton” or “Heavy Duty” cycle: Designed for thicker fabrics like towels
• Wash in warm or cold water: Avoid hot water — it can damage fibres over time
• Go low on spin speed: High-speed spins flatten towel loops, reducing fluffiness

4. Dry the Smart Way

Drying can make or break your towels — especially in Singapore, where humidity can trap moisture and cause odours if not dried properly.

☀️ Try this method:

• Air-dry towels under the sun until they’re about 70–80% dry

• Then finish them in a dryer on low heat for a soft, fluffy finish

• Add wool dryer balls to reduce drying time and fluff the fibres naturally

No dryer? No problem — just shake your towels out vigorously before and after air-drying to maintain texture and softness.

Extra Tips for Towel TLC

✅ Wash Towels Separately: Keep them away from garments with zippers or hooks that can cause pulls.

✅ Don’t Overload the Machine: Towels need space to rinse and spin properly.

✅ Clean Your Washing Machine Monthly: Detergent build-up can sneak back into your towels and undo all your good washing habits.

Invest in Towels Worth Caring For

Premium towels last longer, feel better, and retain their softness with the right care.

At Robinsons, we offer a curated range of high-quality bath towels — from ultra-soft Egyptian cotton to quick-drying bamboo blends.

Ready to refresh your bathroom? Explore Robinsons’ best-selling towels now.