Ever pulled a towel out of the closet, dried off, and felt like the water was still on your skin? You’re not alone. A lot of people wonder, “Why aren’t my towels drying properly anymore?” or “How can I make my towels more absorbent?” Good news — it’s an easy fix you can do right at home.
And if you’re on the lookout for hotel-quality bath towels, beach towels, and plush everyday towels to upgrade your collection, DZEE Home has you covered. We offer premium, long-lasting towels designed to feel soft, dry better, and stay fresher for longer.
In this guide, we’ll show you a simple, effective way to bring your towels back to life and boost their absorbency. No special products needed — just a couple of everyday ingredients from your kitchen.
Why Are My Towels No Longer Absorbent?
The biggest culprit is fabric softener. While it makes fabrics feel soft, it leaves behind a thin coating that blocks your towel’s fibers from soaking up water. Over time, detergent buildup and leftover laundry products also reduce absorbency.
Good to know: Even detergents labeled “gentle” can leave residues. That’s why regular deep-cleaning is important for your towels.
How to Increase Towel Absorbency — Step by Step
Follow this simple method to restore your towels’ absorbency using white vinegar and baking soda.
What You’ll Need:
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White vinegar
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Baking soda
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Warm or hot water
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Washing machine
Step 1: Load Towels into an Empty Washing Machine
Keep it light — don’t overload the washer. Wash about half a normal load at a time for better results. Also, separate light and dark towels to avoid color bleeding.
Step 2: Add 1 Cup of White Vinegar
Fill your washing machine with warm or hot water and pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of white vinegar. Vinegar naturally breaks down any leftover fabric softener or detergent and helps soften your towels without leaving any greasy residue.
Step 3: Run a Full Wash and Rinse Cycle
Let the washer run a complete cycle. It’s normal if your towels have a slight vinegar smell after this step — it’ll disappear after the next wash.
Step 4: Without Drying, Start a Second Wash
Don’t dry your towels yet! Leave them in the machine and refill with hot water for another round. Use the same settings as before.
Step 5: Add ½ Cup of Baking Soda
Once the washer is filled, sprinkle in ½ cup (120 g) of baking soda. This will react with any leftover vinegar, helping to lift away remaining residues and leave your towels clean and refreshed.
Step 6: Dry Your Towels Properly
After the second cycle, dry your towels using your preferred method:
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Tumble dryer for fluffy results
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Air drying on a rack or clothesline for a natural, fresh scent
If you can, dry them in the sun — sunlight naturally disinfects and freshens fabrics.
Learn more about: How to Wash Towels
Extra Tips to Keep Towels Absorbent
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Avoid fabric softeners altogether for your towels.
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Use less detergent than you think you need — too much can cause buildup.
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Wash towels separately from clothes for better cleaning.
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Deep clean your towels with vinegar and baking soda once a month.
Final Thoughts
It’s surprisingly easy to fix towels that don’t absorb water and keep them soft, fresh, and effective. Just by skipping the fabric softener and giving your towels a deep clean with vinegar and baking soda, you’ll notice a huge difference.
At DZEE Home, we care about helping you get the best out of your home textiles. Shop with DZEE Home for high-quality towels you can trust. Because great towels make every day feel like a spa day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How often should I deep clean my towels?
A: Once a month is ideal to keep them fresh and absorbent.
Q: Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
A: White vinegar is best as it’s colorless and leaves no stains.
Q: Will my towels smell like vinegar?
A: The smell will fade after the second wash or once the towels are dry.
