Soften hard towels with a natural household staple that is a 'better option than vinegar'

Feel gentle towel fibres against your skin again by utilising one natural household staple.

While white vinegar is effective at removing stains, dirt and bacteria, it can take a few washing cycles with this ingredient to lead to soft towels.

Experts at Linens Limited explained: "Adding a cup of vinegar to a wash with your rough towels can remove the residue left by fabric softener and return the towels’ fibres to a softer state.

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"This method may not work completely on the first wash and you may have to put your towels through a number of cycles before you can enjoy the results."

But there is a household staple that is a "better option than vinegar" when it comes to softening towels.

Baking soda added to the wash will react with any softener to dissolve the residue that causes towels to become less soft in the first place.

This household staple not only softens towels, but it can also eliminate damp odious and can be a "better option than vinegar for those worried about odours and contamination".

The experts elaborated: "Baking soda... is a more neutral substance that will not linger in any noticeable way."

How to use baking soda in the wash cycle

All that is required is half a cup of baking soda added on top of the towels in the washing machine drum.

Towels are best washed in warm water, not hot, in order to protect the fibres within the towels.

Be warned that fabric softener is not advised for use when washing towels, as this can lead to a residue build-up on the material.

Once washed, and had a spin, then it's time to shake the towels to help separate the fibres.

If you have a tumble dryer, a little spin in the machine will help restore the towels' fluffiness even more.