How to Always Have Soft and Fluffy Towels

Soft, fluffy towels make everyday routines feel more luxurious—and these simple methods help keep them that way. 

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Since I first shared my method for keeping towels soft and fluffy, I’ve updated a few of my go-to products—because let’s face it, product formulas improve, amazing new options hit the shelves, and we learn what actually works over time.

The good news? The heart of this method still holds true. But I’ve made a couple of key changes that make my towels even softer and cozier—and now I’m sharing it all here so you can enjoy that spa-like feeling every time you step out of the shower.

That Cozy, Cloud-Like Towel Feeling (Without the Scratch)

There’s just something about wrapping up in a soft towel that makes the end of a shower feel like a full-on self-care moment. But the sad truth is that most towels start losing that fluff within a few washes—getting scratchy, stiff, or weirdly flat. And more often than not, it’s not the towels themselves… it’s how we’re washing them.

I used to think detergent and fabric softener were keeping things soft—turns out, they were doing the opposite.

That realization led me to a method that strips all that residue out, keeps towels fresh and absorbent, and actually makes them smell amazing.

Here’s What I Do Now (And It’s Better Than Ever)

I’ve gone through phases of using no detergent at all, relying solely on vinegar and baking soda to strip away buildup. That method still works wonderfully, especially if your towels are in “rescue mode.”

But for weekly washes, I now use a refined routine that gives me softness, scent, and absorbency—with no buildup or harsh chemicals.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Tide Powder rinses clean and doesn’t leave that gummy residue that most liquid detergents do—especially important for towels.
• Instead of fabric softener, pour white distilled vinegar into the softener dispenser. It softens the towels and helps clear out lingering soap residue.
• Sprinkle baking soda right into the drum. It keeps everything fresh and neutralizes odors.
• And—this is totally optional—add Downy Unstopables in Toasted Vanilla to the wash. It instantly makes your towels super soft and “drapey”, getting rid of any stiffness.  It also leaves them smelling warm, cozy, and luxurious… like the linen closet of your dreams. You don’t need to use this every time you wash, but it really does give your towels such a luxurious feel.

Then into the dryer they go—on low heat only. High heat might seem like the fastest route, but it breaks down towel fibers and kills the fluff. Instead, toss in wool dryer balls to speed up drying time and help everything stay soft without static.

Need to Bring Old Towels Back to Life?

If your towels are feeling crunchy, heavy, or like they’re holding onto a musty smell, a reset might be just what they need.

Instead of detergent, run them through a hot cycle with just white vinegar. Then follow that with another hot cycle using only baking soda. This strips out leftover detergent, body oils, and dryer sheet residue that’s been hiding deep in the fabric.

Follow up with the updated wash method (Tide Powder + vinegar + baking soda + Unstopables), and your towels might just feel new again.

Pro tip: This is also a great way to revive guest towels that have been sitting folded forever or revive camping/beach towels that have seen better days.

Let’s Talk Towels: Which Ones Are Actually Worth Buying?

If you’re starting fresh or ready to upgrade your collection, here are some of the most highly-rated and widely loved towels right now:

Best Overall:

• Brooklinen Super-Plush Towels
  Extra thick, absorbent, and still soft after dozens of washes. Their spa-like feel makes them a reader favorite (and they look gorgeous hung up).

 Best Organic Option:

• Boll & Branch Plush Bath Towels
  100% organic cotton, ethically made, and incredibly soft. These are luxury-level towels with a conscience.

 Best Budget Buy

• Quince Turkish Classic Bath Towel Bundle
• These are surprisingly soft and durable for the price. You can refresh your entire towel stash without blowing your budget.

 Cozy + Oversized Favorite

• Frontgate Resort Cotton Bath Sheet
  Huge, absorbent, and ultra-soft. Perfect if you like to feel completely wrapped up after a bath.

 Reader-Loved Standby

• Lands’ End Supima Cotton Towels
  A classic for a reason. Soft, long-lasting, and available in a rainbow of colors.

A Few More Cozy Laundry Tips

• Don’t overload the washer. Towels need space to move in order to get clean and rinse thoroughly.
• Never use dryer sheets. They coat the fibers and make towels less absorbent over time.
• Shake your towels out before drying. It helps fluff them up and prevents wrinkles.
• Dry completely. Towels that sit damp too long start to smell off—dry them thoroughly and fold while warm for max fluff.

So… Do They Smell Like Vinegar?

Nope! You might catch a faint vinegar scent when they come out of the washer, but after drying, you won’t even notice it.

What if I don’t have a dryer? Can I still make my towels soft and fluffy?

Yes—while a dryer with wool balls or tennis balls will help fluff towels, you can still use the vinegar and baking soda method with line drying. Just note that air-dried towels won’t feel quite as soft. To help, shake them out well before hanging and again before folding. 

What’s the difference between baking soda and washing soda? Can I use them interchangeably?

While they sound similar, baking soda and washing soda are different. Baking soda is gentle and perfect for softening towels, neutralizing odors, and breaking down detergent residue. Washing soda is more powerful and better for deep cleaning or stripping laundry, but it can be too harsh for regular towel care and may break down fibers over time. Stick with baking soda for this method.

Final Cozy Thoughts

Soft, fluffy towels are one of those little luxuries that make a big difference in daily life. You don’t have to settle for scratchy or flat. With just a few tweaks to your laundry routine, you can make sure every shower ends in that fresh-from-the-spa feeling—even on a Monday.