Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms said: “It’s an unpleasant experience when towels start to have a damp odour after a few months of usage.
“Even after washing them, the foul smell can still linger, and the texture will have deteriorated. The trick is to use cleaning methods which hotels and spas follow to make their linens luxurious.
“Products like white vinegar, bleach and extra fabric conditioner are some of the ways to give towels a new spruce of life.
“Towels should be replaced every two years, but they may be able to survive a few months longer by using these handy tips.”
1. White vinegar
The specialist revealed that employing white vinegar is a “popular trick” utilised by hotels and spas “everywhere”.
The cleaning solution can be purchased for as little as 29p a bottle, and Britons should add two or three cups to the wash.
This can assist in removing grime from the towels to restore them to their original shade and “soft feel”.
2. Double detergent
The specialist elaborated: “To achieve the soft, fluffy texture, it’s worth doubling up on detergent and fabric conditioner now and again to enhance the luxurious feel.
“It can also expand the lifespan of towels as it reduces friction during the wash, which tends to cause damage to the material.”
3. Wash at high temperatures
Whilst most detergents function effectively at low temperatures, placing towels on a hotter wash prevents the accumulation of soap residue and removes any shampoos which have remained in the fabric. According to the expert, the “ideal temperature” to wash them on is between 40°C and 60°C to achieve a “pristine finish”.
4. Baking soda
If towels still retain an odour following washing, it is advised to use a quarter cup of baking soda to eliminate this.
Baking soda, which can be purchased for as little as 80p, can also help to remove persistent stains, making the towels appear “brand new”.
5. Light loads
Nic continued: “The lighter the load, the better. Don’t put all the towels, bath mats and hand towels in the washing machine at one time.
“Do the towels separately so they can absorb the cleaning product and detergent to get the luxurious, fluffy finish.”
6. Hand soaking
Hand-soaking the towels occasionally with hot water and baking soda can help to thoroughly cleanse them, stripping them of hard water and cleaning products.
Allow them to soak for approximately an hour before placing them into the washing machine on a hot wash cycle.
7. Bleach
The specialist noted: “A small amount of bleach can help bring white towels back to their original condition. Make sure not to do this in every wash, otherwise the colour can fade. Simply add a quarter of a cup of bleach and put the towels on a hot wash.”
