Towels ‘will come out fluffier’ if 1 household item is placed in your tumble dryer

The feel of a brand-new, fluffy towel adds to the bathroom routine and gives you a spa-like relaxation in your own home. This can help to make you feel more pampered and polished, but the downside to a new towel is that after a few washes in the machine, it does not seem to come out in the same way it looked the first time it was used.

In fact, after each wash, towels may get rougher and harder on the skin. But there is a simple, yet unusual, hack that may solve the problem and restore your towels to a softer state. According to Katarzyna Kurylek, head of laundry at the London Hilton, adding a tennis ball to the dryer ”is a great way to fluff up your towels.”

One or two tennis balls, which need to be clean, are enough to get the results desired. Alternatively, it is also recommended to try using dryer balls. 

Inside the drum, the tennis ball bounces around, separating towels and allowing more air to flow between the fibres. This softens them up and helps them dry more evenly.

According to Good Housekeeping, this simple trick can also help speed up drying time, as the tennis balls improve air circulation inside the drum.  

Another good tip to keep in mind: while it might be tempting to add extra fabric softener when your towels start feeling rough, doing so can actually backfire. Fabric conditioner is great for enhancing softness and adding a fresh scent, but overusing it can coat and lubricate the towel fibres, ultimately reducing their absorbency.

“Always make sure you’re using just the right amount of conditioner to prevent depleting quality,” recommends Katarzyna.

Next time you throw in a load of towels, reach for a tennis ball as your towels will be fluffier and look brand new, leaving you with the soft feeling as it once did when you bought it.