Hard, scratchy towels ruining your bath time? You could transform them into hotel-quality soft fluffy towels with this simple laundry hack that many users report works in just one wash cycle.13:57, 10 Jul 2026Wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy towel fresh from the shower is one of life's simple pleasures. However, hard water, friction, and constant exposure to oil and dirt can take their toll on the fabric, leaving towels feeling rough and stiff over time.‌Restoring them to their former glory might sound like a tall order, but it turns out the solution is surprisingly straightforward, according to cleaning influencer @home. with.leanne.‌Leanne pointed out, "Your towels aren't old; you're just washing them wrong."‌She revealed how one basic ingredient transformed her towels "from stiff and scratchy to soft, fluffy, hotel-level again". The very same humble ingredient you'd use to bake a cake can work absolute wonders in the washing machine — baking soda, reports the Express.This versatile household staple has a whole host of uses, from stain remover and odour neutraliser to drain unclogger and towel fluffer.For the best results, simply add roughly half a cup of baking soda — also known as bicarbonate of soda — directly into the drum of your washing machine along with your towels.‌As highlighted in the video, this method helps to break down stubborn detergent residue that builds up over time, leaving your towels feeling less stiff and far more fluffy.It also turns out that using more detergent doesn't necessarily mean cleaner towels. In fact, overdoing it can have entirely the opposite effect.‌Excess soap may fail to rinse out fully, particularly in thicker materials such as towels. Instead, it clings to the fibres, leaving behind that unwelcome crunchy texture.The popular tip suggests halving your usual detergent quantity, which is typically more than enough to clean towels properly anyway.‌The beauty of this hack lies in its simplicity. You don't require any specialist products or fiddly steps.Simply pop your towels in, add some baking soda, and run a warm wash cycle.Another crucial element of this method?‌Washing towels at the right temperature, which Leanne insists is 40C.Warm water hits the sweet spot, being hot enough to clean thoroughly and remove oils and residues, while remaining gentle enough to protect the fibres from harm.Over time, this technique helps maintain that soft, fluffy texture instead of wearing the towels down.Article continues belowThose who have experimented with this method say the results are instantly apparent. Towels come out softer and smelling fresher, almost as though they've been transformed into hotel-standard linens overnight."Such a good and low tox hack, and nothing better than a fluffy, soft, white bath towel."