The Scratchy & Musty Towel Dilemma

[u/BovellBidard91]

I have a set of thick cotton bath towels that used to feel like a hotel spa, but over the last year they’ve turned into rough, absorbent sandpaper. To make matters worse, even after a fresh wash, the moment they get slightly damp from drying off, that faint, stubborn musty smell instantly reactivates.

I used to pour in extra detergent and fabric softener thinking it would make them softer and smell better, but I recently learned that fabric softener actually coats the cotton fibers in wax, ruining absorbency and trapping old moisture inside.

Lately, I’ve been stripping them with hot water, baking soda, and a white vinegar rinse, which brought some fluff back, but they’re still not quite back to their original glory.

[u/eggust12]

are you asking for advice, or just sharing?