Towels will be soft and fluffy again if you add one natural ingredient to your machine White towels can often lose their colour and softness after being washed with bleach or fabric softener, but a simple hack can restore them to their original state Towels will come out the wash whiter and fluffier if cleaner with baking soda (Image: Kinga Krzeminska via Getty Images ) There's nothing quite like the comfort of a soft, fluffy towel after a relaxing bath or shower. However, it can be disheartening when your towels lose their plushness and turn a dull grey due to incorrect washing methods, particularly when fabric softener or bleach is used. Towels, being highly absorbent, often trap the soap from fabric softeners within their fibres, making it difficult to rinse out completely. This leads to a build-up over time. Similarly, using bleach to whiten towels can result in the chemicals and soap clogging the material, causing it to become rough, greasy and even discoloured. ‌ But don't rush to discard any spoiled white towels just yet. The bedding experts at Weavve Home have shared a simple method to rejuvenate your towels using just one natural ingredient, reports the Express. ‌ They said: "Bleaching might be effective in removing unwanted stains, but these agents weaken the fibres and eventually damage your bath essentials. "If you still want that whitening effect, try soaking them in a solution of baking soda and water. Baking soda will clear towels of any built up residue to help clean them (Image: fcafotodigital via Getty Images ) Article continues below "Washing new towels with baking soda will loosen and soften up the fibres, cleaning out any residue, dirt or gunk. "This helps in restoring your white fabrics to their original bright and fluffy glory. It also eliminates those pesky but inevitable musty odours." While it may sound unusual, baking soda is an excellent natural cleaner. Its alkaline properties can help neutralise acidic soapy residue clinging to the towel fibres. ‌ Baking soda is not only abrasive, helping to scrub away dirt and chemicals that cause towels to look dull without damaging the fibres, but it also enhances the effectiveness of laundry detergent while deep cleaning the towels. As a result, your towels will emerge from the washing machine fluffier and whiter. Washing new towels with baking soda will loosen and soften up the fibres (Image: Kinga Krzeminska via Getty Images ) ‌ How to use baking soda to soften and brighten white towels Start by placing your towels in the washing machine, then add both laundry detergent and baking soda to the detergent drawer. Be mindful not to overload the washing machine, as overcrowding can prevent proper rinsing and render this baking soda solution ineffective. Wash your towels at 60°C to kill germs, but avoid higher temperatures as they increase the risk of towel shrinkage. ‌ Opt for a gentle wash cycle that lasts between 40 to 50 minutes. Once the wash cycle is complete, run a rinse cycle. Avoid adding any fabric softener to your wash. However, if you prefer, you can add a bit of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It's a natural alternative that fluffs up towels while also eliminating bacteria. Remember not to mix baking soda and white vinegar together as they will neutralise each other and negate their cleaning properties. Use baking soda during a washing cycle and then use white vinegar during a rinse cycle. Article continues below After washing the towels, dry them on a low heat in a tumble dryer or hang them up to dry. You should notice your towels looking visibly whiter and feeling significantly softer after just one wash.