Do your MF towels lose plushness after machine wash?

[Mc'lovin]

Guys,

Thanks a million! I definitely learned something new today!
You all make this forum the pleasure that it is :dblthumb2:

 

[cleanmycorolla]

I use two of those blue fluffing balls when I dry all of my cloths and micro fibers. There was a huge and instant difference the first time I used them. Tennis balls might also work

care to explain what these blue balls are(for lack of a better term:xyxthumbs Whats the name? Where can they be found, I'm open to trying!

 

[ShineTimeDetail]

I personally have never been a fan of the blue balls....Just not my cup of tea When you guys dry your towels how do you keep them from getting all static in them?? When I put mine in the drier they are filled with static and I hate it. I always air dry mine.

 

[lucky472]

It's these
Shop Style Selections 2-Pack Dryer Balls at Lowes.com
They work great for micro fiber or all cloths. I use them in every load. For micro fiber simply turn on low heat and leave balls in the dryer. I've never had an issue with static either

 

[Mc'lovin]

Okay, I have another question about using vinegar.
If I'm washing my towels by hand, when will I use the vinegar - with the detergent, or will I soak the towels in diluted vinegar after I've rinsed the detergent out?

 

[pointillistic_practitioner]

Are all of you using regular washing machines or are they "he"? B/c my machine is very finicky and breaks easily. I'd be nervous to use vinegar but if you're using it in "he" machines than I'd be less hesitant...so you're washing, rinsing, & during the rinse cycle adding vinegar? Am I correct? Cool trick. My MF towels always seem to be static-y as well as not as soft as when they were new. I'll try the tennis balls before I buy the blue ones. Thanks for the tips everyone!

 

[Shortspark]

As I said before, I use vinegar in the rinse cycle but you could put it in at the beginning along with the detergent. I don't think it makes much difference (as long as there are no tough stains) but I like the added rinse cycle so that is why I wait for the entire washing cycle to be completed, then add vinegar and rinse again.

Vinegar makes the towels softer and helps retain their "fluffiness" but it does not necessarily aid their cleaning. In fact, you need to be sure the towels are as spot free as possible or the vinegar could actually "set" the stains in the towels. That is another reason for washing first, then adding the vinegar to an extra rinse. Basically, vinegar acts as a fabric softener without the static. Also, if you toss your wet towels in a box or hamper and they sit there a week or two until you get enough to justify a wash, the chances are pretty good they will develop a mildew or chemical smell. Vinegar helps eliminate that smell better than just detergent.

I've heard that using baking soda is another thing you can do to help rid the towels of soap residue and helps make your towels softer but I have not tried that. Anyway, I think the bottom line is that using vinegar may not be a necessary step in caring for your towels but I think it helps in the long term.