Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Only Radiators, said: “I’m sure we can all relate to the struggles of buying a luxurious new towel, only to have the softness deplete with each new wash.

“Towels become stiff and scratchy due to a build-up of soap and detergent which attach to the fibres causing them to become much less absorbent.

“But there’s also that damp smell that forms if towels aren’t hung up to dry after use or thrown into the laundry basket wet causing mildew to form.

“This sour smell can linger, coming back after each use even after a wash.”

However, this can all be fixed by washing them correctly, according to the expert. While many people may reach for the fabric softener, Nancy recommended against this.

To get towels back to their best, first, wash them on a cool wash with just half a cup of white vinegar and nothing else.

Towels are best washed in temperatures around 30C to 40C and for around an hour and a half.

Warm water absorbs detergent better so will help to leave less chemical build-up on towels.

The pro noted: “This helps to eliminate the stink. You only need the cycle to run for about 90 minutes so pick an eco-wash or equivalent on your machine.

“Then, wash them again straight away but this time use detergent and then a further half cup of vinegar for your rinse instead of fabric softener.

“Once the cycle has finished, pop them in the dryer immediately on a medium heat setting for a short cycle.

“You want them to be dry but don’t over dry them or use a high setting as this will start to break down the fibres again.

“Using a tennis ball or dryer ball can also be effective. They help the warm air to circulate between the towels better which reduces drying time, and the movement of the balls against the fabrics can prevent static and wrinkles and add softness.”

For anyone who doesn’t have a tumble dryer, the expert recommended giving them an extra spin on the wash cycle.

Once this is over, hang them over a bannister, airer, heated towel rail or on the back of the door.

The key is to keep them flat, unfolded and dry them as quickly as possible, according to Nancy.

She added: “Using a heated airer or towel rail in between uses will also help to keep that damp smell at bay as they dry your towels quicker.”

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Post source: Express