Stiff laundry after washing can be an unpleasant surprise that ruins the feeling of freshly washed clothes. Whether it's towels that should be soft and cosy or T-shirts that have lost their smoothness, many of us struggle with this issue. The good news is that laundry stiffness has specific causes that can be easily identified and eliminated.
What Causes Laundry Stiffness?
- The most common culprit is hard water—it contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which settle on fabric fibres. The result is a rough texture that is far from the softness of freshly washed laundry.
- Another issue could be detergent. Using too much of it can leave chemical residues on your laundry.
- Insufficient rinsing during the wash cycle may also cause detergent particles to remain on clothing.
- Washing at high temperatures or using older types of washing machines can also negatively affect the fabric structure, leading to stiffness.
How to Prevent Stiff Laundry?
The key to soft laundry lies in proper washing and care:
- To avoid stiff laundry, it is recommended to add a little white vinegar or baking soda to the wash. These natural softeners help remove mineral deposits and detergent residues.
- Dose your detergent according to the hardness of the water and the amount of laundry.
- Selecting a wash cycle with an extra rinse will remove any chemical and mineral residues.
- Lowering the washing temperature and choosing modern eco-friendly washing machine programs can also help prevent fabric stiffness.
Learn more in our article: How to Soften Laundry Without Fabric Softener? Proven Tips.