We’ve all had those comfy clothes that seem to wear in just right and feel nice and soft every time we put them on. But after many washes, those once-cozy t-shirts, sweaters, and jeans can start to feel scratchy, rough, and generally uncomfortable.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to restore that soft, snuggly feel to your favorite pieces of clothing. With a few household items and some simple techniques, you can get your clothes feeling good as new again. Keep reading to learn how!

Regularly Change Over to a Gentle Laundry Detergent

The detergent you use to wash your clothes plays a big role in how soft or rough they feel. A lot of mainstream laundry detergents contain harsh cleaning agents and chemicals that can wear down cloth fibers over time.

For softer clothes, switch over to using a gentle, hypoallergenic detergent without perfumes or dyes. Those extra additives can leave behind residue that leads to stiffness and scratchiness.

Add Baking Soda to Your Wash Cycle

Baking soda is a natural fabric softener and cleaning booster. Add a half cup to your washing machine’s drum along with your regular detergent. The baking soda will help lift away dirt and odors without using harsh chemicals that damage fabrics.

Use Liquid Fabric Softener Sparingly

While most liquid fabric softeners do leave clothes feeling smooth and fluffy immediately after drying, they can coat fibers over time and cause clothes to lose their softness faster. Use fabric softener only for laundry loads that really need it, and skip it for things like workout clothes and towels.

Dryer Balls are a Great Natural Softener

Wool or rubber dryer balls are an eco-friendly way to naturally soften laundry. As they tumble around with your wet clothes in the dryer, they help separate and fluff up the fabrics. Dryer balls also cut down on unwanted static cling.

Use a Vinegar Rinse for Hard Water Buildup

If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits left behind on clothes can make them crispy and rough over time. Add distilled white vinegar to your rinse cycle to help dissolve that buildup and restore softness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best laundry detergent for soft clothes?

Look for a gentle, hypoallergenic liquid laundry detergent without added perfumes, dyes or other harsh chemicals. Brands like Seventh Generation, Method, and Ecos are good options.

How do you soften old towels naturally?

For softer old towels, wash them in hot water using baking soda instead of detergent. Don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets. Tumble dry towels with a few wool or rubber dryer balls to fluff and soften the fibers.

Does vinegar really soften clothes?

Yes! Adding distilled white vinegar to your washing machine’s rinse cycle helps dissolve mineral deposits that make clothes feel stiff and scratchy. It’s especially helpful if you have hard water.

Can I put rubbing alcohol in my washing machine?

You can add a half cup of rubbing alcohol along with your regular detergent to help sanitize clothes and remove stubborn odors like smoke. But don’t use it every time, as rubbing alcohol can dry out cloth fibers.

What is the best homemade fabric softener?

Baking soda and distilled white vinegar are two homemade ingredients that safely soften clothes. Make sure not to combine vinegar and baking soda in the same wash, as this creates a fizzy chemical reaction.

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