How to Effectively Wash Hand Towels Using Vinegar and Baking Soda: A Laundry Expert’s Guide
Hand towels may seem like low-maintenance laundry, but over time, they can start to feel stiff or smell musty. So, how do you get them fresh and soft without relying on harsh chemicals? As a laundry service provider with years of experience, I’ve found that using vinegar and baking soda (separately) is an effective homemade solution. Below, I’ll break down why this method works and how to do it properly, plus share a few natural alternatives for those looking for chemical-free options.
Why Vinegar and Baking Soda Work
Vinegar and baking soda are both naturally effective at cleaning, but they work best when used on their own. Here’s why:
Vinegar is acidic and helps break down soap residue, hard water minerals, and mildew. It’s great for cleaning the buildup that makes towels feel stiff or start to smell.
Baking soda, on the other hand, is a mild alkaline substance. It lifts dirt, absorbs odors, and helps soften fabric. When used separately, vinegar and baking soda together tackle all the issues that make your towels feel rough and smell unpleasant.
At Coco Laundry, we never mix the two in the same wash. Why? Because they cancel each other out! For the best results, we use them in separate cycles.
The Step-by-Step Method
To get your hand towels looking fresh and soft, follow this simple method. It only requires two cycles in the washing machine and a few common household ingredients.
Add detergent: Start with your regular laundry detergent, like Tide or Roma powder. Add it to the detergent compartment of your washing machine.
Add vinegar: In the fabric softener compartment, add 1 cup of white vinegar. Vinegar will help break down detergent buildup, kill bacteria, and remove any mildew lurking in the fibers.
Add baking soda: After the detergent and vinegar wash, toss in ½ cup of baking soda (I recommend Arm & Hammer, as it’s a reliable brand) directly into the drum. Baking soda will neutralize any lingering odors and help soften the fabric.
Run a hot water cycle: Set your washing machine to a hot water cycle. The detergent will clean the towels, the vinegar will remove residue and bacteria, and the baking soda will refresh and soften the fabric.
Drying: After the wash cycle is complete, you can either tumble dry your towels on low heat or hang them outside to air dry in the sun. Sun drying not only freshens them up naturally, but it also helps kill any remaining bacteria.
My Preferred Way to Wash Hand Towels
At Coco Laundry, we typically wash towels with a regular hot water cycle using a mild detergent like Tide or Roma powder. We avoid fabric softeners because they can reduce the absorbency of the towels. If the towels start to feel stiff or begin to smell, we treat them with vinegar and baking soda every few weeks to keep them feeling soft and fresh.
Natural Alternatives to Machine Washing with Detergent
If you’re looking for alternatives to conventional detergent, there are several natural options that we recommend:
Castile soap: We often use Dr. Bronner’s unscented Castile soap for customers with sensitive skin. This gentle, plant-based soap cleans without leaving residue, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.
Lemon juice: This can be used as a natural whitener and deodorizer, particularly for white or light-colored towels. It’s a great alternative to bleach and helps maintain brightness.
Air/Sun drying: There’s no better way to freshen towels than hanging them outside in the sun. Sunlight naturally kills bacteria, removes odors, and brightens the fabric.
If you’re tired of towels that feel stiff or start to smell, vinegar and baking soda can be your secret weapon for restoring their softness and absorbency. This method is natural, effective, and completely free of harsh chemicals. Regular washing with a mild detergent works for everyday care, but every few weeks, a vinegar and baking soda treatment will help keep your towels looking and feeling their best. For those looking for chemical-free alternatives, options like Castile soap, lemon juice, and sun drying are great ways to maintain fresh, clean towels naturally.
If this seems like too much work, at Coco Laundry, we can handle it for you. We offer laundry services for both residential and commercial customers in the downtown Long Beach area—an easy and effective way to save time while keeping your hand towels in top shape.
