Fabric softener build-up on towels can make them less absorbent and leave a residue that causes them to feel stiff and less fluffy. To remove fabric softener build-up from towels, you can try the following methods:
Vinegar soak: Fill a bathtub or a large container with warm water and add one cup of white vinegar. Submerge the towels in the vinegar solution and let them soak for about 1-2 hours. Vinegar helps break down the fabric softener residue. After soaking, wash the towels as usual with detergent and avoid using fabric softener in the washing machine.
Baking soda and vinegar wash: For an extra boost, you can add half a cup of baking soda to the washing machine along with the towels. Then, pour half a cup of white vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser. Run a regular wash cycle with warm water.
Hot water wash: If the fabric softener build-up is particularly stubborn, consider washing the towels in hot water without detergent. The hot water can help break down the residue. After the hot water wash, follow up with a regular wash cycle using detergent, but skip the fabric softener.
Lemon juice wash: Another natural alternative is to add half a cup of lemon juice to the washing machine along with the towels. Lemon juice helps cut through fabric softener build-up and leaves a fresh scent.
Borax solution: Mix half a cup of borax with warm water and add the towels to the solution. Allow them to soak for a couple of hours, then wash them as usual with detergent.
Avoid fabric softener in the future: To prevent future build-up, stop using fabric softener on towels. Instead, use vinegar or baking soda in the rinse cycle occasionally to maintain softness without leaving a residue.
Dryer balls: Consider using dryer balls made of wool or rubber during the drying process to help fluff up the towels and reduce static cling without using fabric softener.
After using any of these methods, make sure to dry the towels completely. Hang them outside in the sunlight, if possible, as the sun's rays have natural deodorizing properties and can further help freshen up your towels.