You’re probably washing your towels wrong — here’s how to fix it
23rd Jan 2026
We’ve all been there: you step out of a relaxing shower, reach for your towel, and… it feels like sandpaper.
Unless you’re actually looking for a full-body exfoliation while you dry off, crunchy towels are not the vibe. But don’t worry - getting them back to their soft, fluffy glory isn’t that hard.
The secret? It’s all in how you wash them. Follow these tried-and-true tips to keep your towels soft, plush, and ready to pamper you after every wash.
1. Use just a little detergent
When it comes to detergent, less is more. Using too much can leave residue trapped in the towel fibres, causing stiffness. A small amount of a high-quality detergent like Canningvale Signature Laundry Liquid, is all you need to get your towels clean without overloading them with suds.
Pro tip: Opt for a liquid detergent to dissolve easily, and avoid fabric softeners at all cost! They coat towel fibres and make them less absorbent over time.
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2. Double rinse for extra freshness
Sometimes, your washing machine’s standard rinse cycle isn’t enough to remove all the detergent and residue from your towels. Adding an extra rinse cycle can make all the difference.
What does this do?
● Rinse, Repeat: An additional rinse ensures all detergent is thoroughly washed out, keeping your towels fluffy and soft.
● Gentle on Fibres: Removing residue helps preserve towel fibres, preventing that dreaded crunchy texture.
If double rinsing feels like too much, try a more gentle cycle that uses a bit more water to ensure a thorough clean without waste.
3. Choose the right washing machine setting
Your washing machine setting plays a big role in towel care. Here’s what we recommend:
● Cotton Setting: This cycle is perfect for towels, as it’s designed for thicker, absorbent fabrics
Cold or Warm Water: Hot water can break down fibres over time. Stick to cold or warm settings to preserve softness
● Cold or Warm Water: Hot water can break down fibres over time. Stick to cold or warm settings to preserve softness
● Low Spin Speed: High spins flatten the fibres, leaving your towels less plush. Keep it gentle
4. Drying done right
Drying your towels properly is just as important as washing them. Here’s how to nail it:
● Air Dry, Then Tumble: Line dry your towels until they’re about 75% dry, then finish them in the dryer. This reduces energy use while keeping towels fluffy
● Wool Dryer Balls: Toss in a set of wool dryer balls to fluff fibres, smooth wrinkles, and cut down on drying time
● Low Heat: Use a low heat setting in the dryer to protect towel fibres from excessive wear
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Extra tips for towel TLC
● Wash towels alone: Avoid washing your towels with clothes, as zippers and hooks can snag and damage the looped fibres in your towels
● Avoid overloading the machine: Give towels space to tumble freely, so they’re washed and rinsed evenly
● Don’t skip regular maintenance: Clean your washing machine monthly to prevent detergent buildup that can transfer to your towels
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Shop Canningvale’s Luxury Towels
Want towels worth taking extra care of? Check out Canningvale’s plush, absorbent towel range. With towels like these, and tips like ours, your future is looking plush.