HOW TO KEEP TOWELS SOFT & WHITE
How to keep towels soft and white must be a closely guarded secret. I would often wonder how do hotels keep towels so soft and white all the time. After all, they are constantly in use. I later learned that hotels constantly replace towels as a part of their decor. One study explained that hotels use enzymatic cleansers to keep the towels white. However, I know that many of these chemicals are too strong for my sensitive skin. But, I still love a big, soft white towel and I especially love a crisp white duvet and 1800 thread count sheets.
Among my many vices, luggage hoarding, comforter binging, and high count thread sheets, I like hotel quality towels. There’s a lady that I follow on Youtube, “The Unfrumpy Mommy” and she adores white linen. Her house is immaculate and I have linen envy. I have struggled with the hubby for such a long time about getting all white linen, but we actually Live in our home. So, white bed linen just doesn’t work for us. But, white towel can and do live here.
While most care instructions state wash with bleach. I rarely use bleach. First, bleach is so harsh that it damages the fibers in the towel after continued washing. Also, washing in hot water is a no-no if you want to keep the towels for any length of time. So, yes, I do wash in cold water. Shocking isn’t it? But, I have clean, white and soft towels. Go figure.
I mainly purchase my towels at JC Penney’s, but you can purchase them online anywhere. I’ve found that Egyptian or Turkish cotton is the best. Yes, it does matter. I only use a mild detergent and I add a 1/4 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of borax to my wash, and use vinegar during the rinse cycle. Results: Best Towels Ever!
Here’s another little secret. I have a little flannel sachet that is filled with lemongrass and sweet basil from my garden and I put that in my dryer when I do place my towels in the dryer.