Tumble dryers turn towels ‘stiff’ but cleaner’s ‘better’ drying method will ‘soften’ them

Tumble dryers turn towels ‘stiff’ but cleaner’s ‘better’ drying method will ‘soften’ them (Image: Getty)

Doing laundry can become complicated when it comes to certain items - one being towels.

There’s no point washing your towels properly with white vinegar or soda crystals to soften them if you’re not going to dry them correctly.

While many households love the convenience of just chucking towels into the tumble dryer it can rack up energy bills and “ruin” your towels turning them from soft and fluffy to “stiff and scratchy” pieces of material.

Cleaning and laundry expert Kerry Hale at Mira Showers has shared some top tips on how to dry towels “correctly” for “soft, fluffy towels”.

She warned: “Drying your towels in the tumble dryer alone won’t achieve the best results and can ruin the fibres. This can even leave them stiff and scratchy.”

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Drying your towels in the tumble dryer alone won’t achieve the best results (Image: Getty)

Instead, she recommends air-drying towels outside on a mild, dry day, claiming this is the “best method”. 

Kerry explained: “The sunlight will bleach white towels to keep them bright while the UV rays kill any remaining bacteria.”

If the weather doesn’t allow for this, towels can also be dried indoors in a ventilated room, but make sure to give them a shake every so often.

If you don't have outdoor space, using a dehumidifier is “better than the tumble dryer for softening towels and prevents moisture build-up”.

A dehumidifier helps to dry towels well for softer results (Image: Getty)

For those who still prefer the tumble dryer, limit the time to 20 minutes and use dryer balls or tennis balls. 

The addition of dryer balls will fluff up the towels and the heat will kill any remaining bacteria.

Avoid ironing your towels as the heat can damage and flatten the fabric fibres, making them less plush than desired.

Avoid ironing your towels as the heat can damage and flatten the fabric fibres (Image: Getty)

Once completely dry, roll or fold the towels to maintain their fluffiness before using them again.

Finally, store clean and dry towels in a linen closet, bathroom rack or drawer, depending on the available space in your home.

Households must avoid storing damp towels. Always ensure towels are thoroughly dried before stashing them in a linen closet or drawer, as this can lead to mould and mildew.