White towels are a symbol of cleanliness, elegance and timeless style in the bathroom. They are like a hotel luxury that we can also afford at home – until they are destroyed by time and improper maintenance. They absorb moisture, come into contact with the skin, with residues of cosmetics, make-up and detergents, and at the same time often dry in less than ideal conditions. The result? Discoloration, unpleasant odor, hardness of the material and loss of that desired softness that we have towels for in the first place.
Fortunately, there are simple but extremely effective treatments that are based on knowledge of fabrics and chemical processes – and don’t involve expensive professional care. If you want your whites to towels To keep your clothes bright, soft and long-lasting, it's important to understand the causes of their deterioration – and to consistently use the correct washing, rinsing and drying methods. Below, we reveal four techniques that even textile care experts use, but are completely accessible in your own household.
4 proven ways to keep white towels sparkling like new
1. Baking soda: a natural detergent booster with multiple functions
Baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate) is an alkaline compound that has long been considered an indispensable household item – including for washing textiles. Its role in the washing process is threefold:
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- neutralizes unpleasant odors (meaning it removes bacterial activity that often remains in fabrics),
- increases the effectiveness of detergent (even in hard water),
- and with its slightly abrasive structure, it mechanically helps remove stains.
It is recommended to add approximately half a cup baking soda during the wash cycle, along with your regular detergent. For white towels, washing in hot water (60°C or higher, if the label allows it) is optimal, as baking soda reacts more actively at higher temperatures and allows for more thorough fiber renewal.
2. Distilled White Vinegar: Natural Softener and Residue Remover
Vinegar (acetic acid in diluted form) has a dual effect when washing:
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- breaks down mineral and chemical residues of detergent, softener and hard water,
- At the same time, it restores the natural pH balance of the fibers, leading to better absorbency and a softer feel.
For maximum effect add 1 cup vinegar in the fabric softener compartment or during the rinse phase. It is important that the vinegar do not mix with bleach or soda, as the effects may be neutralized. After washing with vinegar, the fabric becomes more flexible, less prone to stiffness, and at the same time prevents the towels from retaining unpleasant odors.
3. Oxygen bleach: a safe alternative for maintaining whiteness
Oxygen bleach (composed primarily of sodium percarbonate) is a milder, yet highly effective form of bleach that works by releasing active oxygen into the water. This reacts with organic stains and oxidizes them – without damaging the structure of the cotton, as classic (chlorine) bleach often does.
To use add half a cup of oxygen bleach (in powder form) directly into the drum or detergent compartment, selecting a longer wash cycle with warm or hot water (above 40°C). Since it is non-chlorinated, it is safe for regular use and does not cause yellowing of the material or fiber breakdown.
4. “Stripping” or deep cleaning of towels: a reset for textiles
If your towels have lost their absorbency, are hard to the touch, or have a permanent grayish tint, it's time for a so-called towel stripping – a process that deeply removes all accumulated residues (detergents, softeners, body fats, minerals from water). The process takes several hours, but the result is worth every minute.
How to start stripping?
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- Fill a bathtub or large container with very hot water (at least 60°C).
- Add:
- ½ cup borax,
- ½ cup of washing soda (not baking soda),
- ½ cup of good quality powdered detergent.
- Completely submerge the towels and leave them soaked for 4–6 hours (or overnight).
- Stir them regularly to loosen the dirt.
- When you're done, wash them in the washing machine without any additives – just with clean water.
Stripping is recommended every few months, especially in hard water or frequent use of fabric softeners. After the procedure, you will notice a drastic improvement in the look and feel of the fabric.
Bonus tips for maintaining white and soft towels
Always separate white laundry from colored laundry. Even the most inconspicuous color can leave a mark over time.
Don't overdo it with detergent. Too much powder causes deposits and a stiff texture.
Avoid fabric softeners. It sounds contradictory, but fabric softeners reduce the absorbency of towels.
Tumble dry at moderate temperature. Excessive heat damages the fibers and causes the texture to become “sticky”.
The washing machine cleans regularly. Residues in the drum can contaminate clean laundry.
Conclusion
White towels They don't have to be consumables that lose all their charm after a few washes. With a little care, the right methods, and an understanding of fabric chemistry, you can keep them fresh, soft, and beautifully white for years to come. You don't have to rely on expensive products with flashy packaging—your secret weapons are baking soda, vinegar, oxygen bleach, and a little patience.