How to Remove Fabric Softener Build-Up From Towels

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Fabric softener builds up on towels making them less absorbent. The build-up can also affect how well they wash in the future and can trap odors in the towel. If you have been using fabric softener on your towels, you can remove the build-up in a few simple steps.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Towels
Washing machine
Laundry detergent
White vinegar
Epsom salt

Step1

Go through your linen closet and pull out all of your towels. If there are any old towels you want to donate, separate those so you can concentrate on the towels you're keeping.

Step2

Set your washing machine to a hot wash cycle and add the amount of detergent as directed by the brand you use. Add the towels to the washing machine and close the door.

Step3

Pour about a half cup of white vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser. Make sure you have cleaned out any softener residue before you do this. You can also wait until the rinse cycle starts and add the vinegar directly to the rinse cycle.

Step4

Dry the towels once the wash cycle is complete. If the towels are more absorbent the next time you use them, continue adding vinegar to your rinse cycle to help soften the towels without using dryer sheets or fabric softener. If the towels still have build-up continue with the next step.

Step5

Soak your towels in your washing machine with about a cup of Epsom salts overnight. Wash the towels a second time. Depending on the amount of build-up on the towels you may need to do this a few times before you are satisfied with the results. Remember to stop using fabric softener on the towels after you remove the build-up so your towels stay fresh and build-up free.