How do you refresh towels?

Refreshing towels involves removing build-up, restoring absorbency, and eliminating odors. Here's how to do it:

Towel Refreshing Steps

Follow these steps to refresh your towels and bring them back to life:

First Wash: Vinegar Rinse:
- Wash your towels in hot water.
- Add one cup of white vinegar to the washing machine.
- Do not add any detergent. Vinegar helps to strip away detergent and fabric softener build-up that reduces absorbency.
Second Wash: Baking Soda Boost:
- Without drying the towels, wash them again in hot water.
- Add one cup of baking soda to the washing machine.
- Again, do not add any detergent. Baking soda helps to deodorize and brighten the towels.
Drying:
- Dry your towels on a medium to high heat setting.
- Avoid using fabric softener or dryer sheets, as these contribute to the waxy build-up you are trying to remove. Consider using wool dryer balls instead to reduce static and soften towels naturally.

Vinegar: The acidity of vinegar helps to break down mineral deposits, soap scum, and fabric softener residue that accumulate on towels over time, making them less absorbent and potentially harboring odors.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and mild alkali. It neutralizes odors and further lifts away remaining dirt and grime.
Avoiding Fabric Softener: Fabric softeners coat the fibers of the towels with a waxy substance, which makes them feel soft initially but reduces their absorbency in the long run. It also traps odors and can cause towels to become musty.

Wash Towels Separately: Avoid washing towels with clothing, especially items that might shed lint.
Don't Overload the Washing Machine: Overloading prevents proper rinsing, leading to detergent build-up.
Use Appropriate Detergent Amounts: Too much detergent can leave residue on the towels. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on your detergent bottle.
Dry Thoroughly: Make sure towels are completely dry before folding and storing them to prevent mildew growth.