The Secret To Super-soft Towels - Good Housekeeping

Nothing beats getting out of a hot shower and wrapping a big, soft towel around you. But unfortunately towels can become noticeably more brittle over time and not retain the same fluffiness they had when you first bought them.

To prevent your new towels from hardening or give your old ones a new lease of life, here's what you need to know.

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What to look for when you buy towels

When buying new towels always remember: the higher the gsm (gram per square metre) your towels have, the more luxurious they should feel. As a reference point, look for those around 450-600gsm.

You should also look for double-turned edges with double stitching, as the reinforcement will reduce the chance of fraying.

How to wash towels properly

When washing, avoid overdosing with detergent as it can leave towels stiff. Follow the detergent manufacturer's advice for dosage. For brightly coloured towels, use a colour-safe detergent to prevent fading.

The build-up of limescale, particularly in hard-water areas, can also affect softness and give towels a musty fragrance. Regularly running the machine on empty, using the hottest cycle, with a cup of distilled white wine vinegar in the detergent drawer, should sort it out. Alternatively, proprietary machine descaler, such as Dr Beckmann Service-It Power Descaler, for a deep-clean.

GHI Tip: When it comes to fabric conditioner, leave it out altogether every few washes as it can reduce absorption by clogging up the fibres.

How your tumble dryer can keep towels fluffy

Be careful if drying towels outside - don't place them in direct sunlight as the sun's UV rays can fade them.

Using a tumble dryer is the best way to keep towels fluffy and soft. Give them a good shake before you toss them in and don't let them get bone dry – there should be a little moisture left.

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