Graeme from Christchurch has a question. “I have bought some new towels that only smear the water and not absorb it. I did hear a long time ago you could put something in the wash water to get rid of the dressing on the towels from the manufacturing, but cant remember what it was. I was wondering if anyone could help me make my towels absorbent.”
Margaret from Mt Maunganui writes, “Reconditioning your towels is as simple as running them through two hot loads. Skip the detergent on both loads, run them through once with hot water and a cup of vinegar, then again with hot water and half a cup of baking soda. My towels all have more body and absorbency, plus my white towels are cleaner and brighter. I usually do this every six months or so.”
MS from Christchurch suggests, “Soak the towel in a bowl with salt dissolved in warm water. I can’t recall how much, but have an idea it was about 1-2 tablespoon. I’m sure that using more if you wish will do no harm! Then wash the towel in the usual way.”
Jo G from Christchurch says, “Soak the towels in water and add 1 tablespoon epsom salts for each towel. That’s how we used to get the dressing out of new towels.”
Susan from West Auckland writes, “Always wash new towels first in hot soapy water. Then add half to one cup of white vinegar to the rinse. This removes the manufacturers’ fabric softener they add to make their towels look soft and fluffy in the store. To keep them fluffy and absorbent, do your towel washing on a windy day and hang them out to dry. The wind will fluff them out again. Cheaper and better for your clothes and pocket than a tumble dryer.”
Valerie has this suggestion. “Graeme could try adding white or brown vinegar to his wash rinse cycle to improve the absorbency of his towels.”