The old trick of grandmothers to whiten towels: you will not see even 1 stain again

The Simple Step-by-Step Process:

1. Pre-Treat Your Towels (Optional but Effective)

If your towels have particularly stubborn stains, pre-treating them can help. Make a paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water and apply it directly to the stained areas. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.

2. Add Baking Soda and Vinegar to the Wash

For a deep clean, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your washing machine drum, along with your usual laundry detergent. Baking soda helps to lift dirt and brighten fabrics, so it’s perfect for making towels look fresh and white.

Next, add 1 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. The vinegar will not only help break down oils and soap scum but will also help restore the towel’s softness. Don’t worry—the vinegar scent will dissipate once the towels are dry.

3. Add Borax (Optional)

If you’re dealing with particularly tough stains or dingy towels, consider adding 1/4 cup of borax to the wash along with the baking soda. Borax is a natural laundry booster that helps to remove stains, odors, and buildup, leaving your towels looking bright and feeling fluffy.

4. Wash on Hot

To ensure maximum cleaning power, wash your towels in hot water (check the care label to make sure your towels can handle the heat). Hot water helps to break down oils, bacteria, and dirt, which is especially important for towels that have accumulated grime over time.

5. Dry Thoroughly

After the wash cycle is complete, dry your towels on a high heat setting in the dryer, or hang them outside in the sun to dry. The heat from the dryer will help to fluff up the fibers and give your towels that crisp, fresh feel. If you prefer, drying your towels outside in the sun can also have a natural whitening effect.

Why This Method Works

• Baking soda works as a mild abrasive, lifting dirt, stains, and odors while softening the fibers of the towels. It also helps neutralize any leftover detergent or soap scum in the fabric.
• White vinegar is an acid, which breaks down alkaline substances like soap residue and mineral buildup. It also helps soften the fabric, making your towels feel extra fluffy.
• Borax (while optional) is a powerhouse stain-fighter and natural detergent booster that helps to lift tough stains and brighten fabrics, especially in hard water.

Together, these ingredients act as a natural, non-toxic solution to restore your towels to their original whiteness.

Additional Tips for Maintaining White Towels

1. Wash Regularly: To keep your towels from becoming too stained or dingy, wash them regularly. Towels that are used daily, such as bath towels, should be washed after every 3-4 uses to prevent buildup.
2. Avoid Fabric Softener: Fabric softeners can leave a waxy coating on your towels, which reduces their absorbency and can make them feel stiff. Instead, use vinegar in the rinse cycle as a natural softener.
3. Don’t Overload the Washer: Overloading the washing machine prevents towels from getting properly cleaned. Give your towels plenty of room to move around during the wash cycle to ensure they get fully cleaned.
4. Use Hot Water When Possible: Washing towels in hot water helps to break down oils and bacteria. Just be sure to check the care label to avoid damaging delicate fabrics.
5. Dry Towels Completely: Towels that are left damp or not dried properly can develop a musty smell or mildew. Always make sure your towels are fully dried to prevent this from happening.

Why This Method Is Better Than Commercial Products

While there are countless commercial laundry products designed to whiten towels, many of them contain harsh chemicals and bleach, which can wear down fabric fibers over time and contribute to skin irritation. The beauty of this grandmother-approved method is that it relies on natural, non-toxic ingredients—making it not only effective but safe for both your towels and your skin.

Moreover, using baking soda, vinegar, and borax is far more affordable than purchasing specialty laundry boosters, and you likely already have these ingredients in your pantry or laundry room.

Conclusion: A Simple Solution for Spotless Towels

If you’ve been struggling to keep your towels looking fresh, white, and free of stains, this old trick from grandmothers is your solution. By using baking soda, white vinegar, and borax (if desired), you can restore the brightness of your towels while eliminating odors, soap scum, and mineral buildup. It’s an easy, natural method that will save you money on harsh chemicals and keep your towels soft and fluffy—just like the day you bought them.

Give it a try the next time you do laundry, and you’ll see why this simple trick has been passed down through generations. Your towels will be whiter, cleaner, and more absorbent than ever before—and you’ll never see a stain again!