Towels can lose their softness over time, often going from fluffy to stiff and scratchy after repeated use and washes. From hard water and buildup to over-drying and fabric softener misuse, several sneaky culprits can turn your towels into sandpaper.

For those longing to restore their super fluffy towels post-shower, guru Olivia from Clotheslyne has revealed a way to keep your towels irresistibly soft. Overuse of fabric softener can often lead to hardness and scratchiness given towels' impressive absorbency, but Olivia's hack involves just a splash of in the washing machine. She said: "The citric acid present in lemon juice breaks down the residues left by detergents or soaps."

And it doesn't end there - this citrus wonder doesn't only eliminate soapy build-up but also infuses a fresh scent, creating a perfect win-win for your wash.

Olivia added: "As a bonus, the same approach applies to your towels and bedding. Using lemon juice in the rinse cycle can help to keep them soft and fluffy, promoting a cosy and inviting atmosphere in your home."

No more tolerating rough towels; the natural power of lemon juice revitalises fibres by dissolving any lingering conditioner residue. Moreover, with hard water stiffening your laundry due to high mineral content, lemon juice's acidity combats these effects, ensuring each laundry load is as cuddly as desired.

Olivia detailed: "Lemon juice also acts as a natural remedy for hard water. Its acidic property dissolves the hard water and ensures the laundry is soft and comfortable."

To employ this tactic, just send your towels on their usual wash cycle, but forgo any fabric conditioner and avoid overloading the washing machine to ensure they get properly cleaned.

Once the standard wash cycle has concluded, prepare your washing machine for another rinse cycle. Before initiating the cycle, add 60ml of lemon juice into the detergent compartment.

After washing, how you dry your towels is critical for maintaining their softness. If you're using a tumble dryer, opt for a low heat setting and throw in some dryer balls to boost the fluffiness of your towels.

For those who choose to air their laundry, hanging towels outdoors can take advantage of a light breeze which will aid in plumping up the fibres. Nonetheless, it's wise not to leave them out in the sun for too long, as prolonged exposure can lead to them becoming stiffer.