Soften hard towels ‘permanently’ by adding 1 natural item to the wash – not vinegar

While is often hailed as a miracle household , and even touted as one of the best ingredients to add to , sometimes it simply doesn’t work.

One woman, Sarah Bray, posted to the Mrs Hinch Tips and Tricks Facebook group about her towels that feel like “cardboard”.

Dissatisfied with ‘s performance to , she queried: “How do you keep [hand and bath towels] as good as new?”

The frustrated enthusiast added: “Mine are like cardboard most of the time and is not fixing it!”

Many responses advised Sarah to ditch any that she might be using and suggested she add in to her wash.

One helpful commentator advised: “Don’t use fabric conditioner as that’s what makes them less absorbent.” Another agreed: “I never use fabric conditioner.”

Mary Robinson shared her experience: “I have stopped using fabric softener and use .” She advised: “Soak your towels with some soda crystals and warm water and leave for at least 30 minutes before throwing in the washing machine. It makes the towels nice and soft.”

Another contributor, Carmel Gardiner, revealed her laundry secret: “Once I stopped using fabric conditioner and switched to instead… my towels are now permanently so soft.”

When quizzed on the quantity she uses, Carmel explained: “I put a little in all three compartments. It softens the water and is good to clean the machine too – 60C wash.”

Fellow commentator, Hayley Yates chimed in with her own experience: “I use soda crystals with my towels to keep them soft.

“I had a few towels that were going a bit crispy but doing this soon sorted it within the first wash.”

For the best results after washing, give your towels a vigorous shake to fluff up the fibres so that they don’t stick together while they’re drying.

If you’re line-drying indoors, remember to spread your towels out flat over a drying rack or hang them up to maximise the drying area and speed up the drying process.