There’s nothing quite as disappointing as stepping out of a warm shower, only to be met with a towel that feels more like sandpaper than softness. The comfort of a thick, fluffy towel is one of life’s small luxuries, so it’s worth looking after them properly to make that indulgence last.
Over time, even the plushest towels can start to feel stiff, scratchy and less absorbent. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Below, we uncover how to soften towels and bring them back to life, as well as the care habits that keep them feeling hotel-fresh.
In this guide, we'll cover:
- Why towels lose their softness
- How to bring your towels back to life
- Long-term towel care tips
- When to replace your towels
- Wrap yourself in everyday luxury
Why towels lose their softness
A few everyday habits could be the reason behind your towels feeling less than lovely. Here’s what to look out for:
Too much detergent
It’s tempting to think more soap equals more clean, but excess detergent doesn’t always rinse away properly, and when it clings to the fibres, it leaves towels feeling stiff and waxy.
Fabric softener build-up
It sounds counterintuitive, but traditional softeners can actually make towels less soft over time. They coat the fibres, blocking absorbency and leaving behind a residue that builds up with every wash. Generally, fabric softener is not recommended for towels.
Hard water
Minerals in hard water, especially calcium and magnesium, can settle into the fabric and cause a gritty texture that no one wants to dry off with. One option to prevent hard water is to introduce a water softener, which is a device that’s installed in your plumbing to remove minerals from the water as it enters your home.
High heat or over-drying
Blasting towels on a hot setting or leaving them in the dryer too long can damage the fibres, leaving the towels brittle and crunchy. Over-drying also removes all moisture, leaving towels flat and rough rather than plump and soft.
Overloaded washes
Cramming too many bath sheets in one load means less room to rinse properly, which leads to lingering detergent and a lack of fluff.
Towel age and quality
All towels have a natural lifespan, and over time, the fibres break down. That said, higher-quality towels last longer, keep their shape and stay softer for far longer. When you buy towels, make sure to look at their GSM rating.
A towel’s Grams per Square Meter is a measurement that indicates the weight and density of the fabric. A higher GSM generally means a thicker, plusher, and more absorbent towel, while a lower GSM indicates a lighter, thinner, and quicker-drying towel.
At DUSK, our towels are designed with a high GSM of 550–630 GSM, so you’re guaranteed lasting comfort and exceptional thickness.
How to bring your towels back to life
Are your towels feeling past their best? These easy treatments can help revive old towels and restore their plush, fluffy feel.
1. The vinegar refresh
A hot wash with a cup of white vinegar (no detergent) helps dissolve leftover soap and mineral buildup. For an extra-deep clean, soak towels in hot water and vinegar for 30 minutes before washing.
2. A baking soda boost
Next time you wash, add half a cup of baking soda along with a small amount of detergent. It helps soften water, banish musty smells and restore a gentle feel.
3. The double-clean method
For very stubborn stiffness, do a back-to-back wash - one with vinegar, followed by one with baking soda. Just be sure not to mix them in the same cycle, or they’ll cancel each other out.
4. Gentle drying matters
Tumble dry towels on a low heat and remove them while slightly damp - too much heat can make them crispy. Add wool dryer balls to help fluff them naturally. If air-drying, give them a good shake and avoid hanging directly over radiators.
Long-term towel care tips
If you want hotel-style softness every day, keep these towel care tips in mind:
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Use less detergent, a quarter to half the usual amount is often more than enough
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Skip the softener altogether
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Wash towels on their own, no zips, hooks or harsh fabrics
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Never overload your machine
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Deep-clean with vinegar monthly
- Store towels loosely folded in a dry cupboard, don’t squash them
For more advice, explore our Towel Washing Guide.
When to replace your towels
If your towels are still scratchy after all that, they may have reached the end of their life cycle. Signs it’s time to treat yourself to new ones:
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Fraying or thinning fabric
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Poor absorbency
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Faded colour or persistent stains
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Towels that feel more like exfoliators than clouds
When you’re ready to refresh, our best-selling towels are the perfect place to start. Made with a high GSM for extra thickness, they’re as soft as they are stylish and crafted to stay that way.
Wrap yourself in everyday luxury
Soft, fluffy towels aren’t just about comfort, they’re a little everyday indulgence that makes your bathroom feel like a retreat. With the right care and a few clever tricks, yours can stay beautifully soft for years to come.
Looking for how to soften towels the easy way? Start with the right towel, then follow the tips above to keep them cloud-soft for longer. Because every bathroom deserves a touch of luxury – browse the DUSK Towel Collection today.
