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White bath towels can gradually lose their brightness and turn grey or dull despite regular washing. Their highly absorbent fibres can collect body oils, dirt, stains, detergent residue and minerals from hard water.

However, discolouration does not necessarily mean a towel has reached the end of its life. Cleaning experts recommend a few simple methods to remove buildup, brighten white towels and restore some of their softness.

Oxygen bleach can tackle stubborn buildup

An oxygen bleach pre-soak is considered one of the most effective ways to revive old white towels. It helps break down stains and accumulated residue without coating the fibres.

Dissolve about half to one cup of powdered oxygen bleach in warm or hot water and soak the towels overnight. They can then be washed normally with detergent.

Avoid overloading the washing machine and using excessive detergent. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets should also be avoided, as towels need sufficient space to move and rinse properly.

Vinegar and baking soda offer another option

Baking soda and distilled white vinegar can help remove odours and detergent buildup. However, they should be used in separate wash cycles because they neutralise each other when combined.

For the first cycle, add about half a cup of baking soda to warm or hot water. After washing, run another rinse cycle rather than drying the towels.

Next, wash the towels with about half a cup of distilled white vinegar. An additional hot-water rinse can help remove remaining residue before drying.

Laundry stripping removes deep-seated grime

For heavily soiled towels, laundry stripping can help remove accumulated detergent and other residues.

Fill a tub with hot water and dissolve half a cup of powdered laundry detergent, one-quarter cup of Borax and one-quarter cup of washing soda. Submerge the towels completely and soak them for four to six hours, stirring occasionally.

Finally, drain and rinse the towels before washing them through a regular laundry cycle.

Towels should always be dried completely, but excessive high heat should be avoided because it can weaken fibres and shorten their lifespan.