How to Clean Stiff Washcloths

Washcloths are supposed to feel soft and soothing upon skin, not coarse and irritating. Laundering washcloths with excessive detergent, however, causes their fibers to collect detergent residue and become stiff and rough. Although commercial fabric softeners are supposedly formulated to soften washcloths, they actually coat washcloth fibers with silicone that makes washcloth less absorbent and plush over time. Simply laundering stiff washcloths using certain techniques immediately softens the washcloths' rough fibers, making them comfortable to use again.

2 cups white vinegar
Bowl
Spoon
Cleaning gloves
Washing machine
Clothes dryer

Instructions

- 1
  Pour 1 cup of hot white vinegar and 1/2 cup of hot water in a bowl. Thoroughly mix the hot vinegar and water. Hot white vinegar dissolves detergent residue in washcloth fibers.
- 2
  Submerge the stiff washcloths in the hot vinegar solution while wearing cleaning gloves. Let the washcloths soak overnight.
- 3
  Remove the washcloths from the vinegar solution and place them in the washing machine. Set the wash machine to the water temperature setting advised on the washcloths' care labels. Do not add laundry detergent to the wash.
- 4
  Let the washing machine proceed with the cycles. Add 1 cup of white vinegar (at room temperature) to the rinse cycle.
- 5
  Remove the washcloths from the washing machine when the cycles are complete. Tumble dry the washcloths in the clothes dryer for enhanced softness.

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Laundry