Have you ever taken your freshly washed clothes out of the dryer, only to find that they feel rough and scratchy? It’s a frustrating problem that many people experience, but luckily, there are several reasons why this might be happening and even more solutions to help soften up your clothes.
Causes of Rough Clothes
If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of clothes feeling rough and scratchy after washing, you’re not alone. There are several reasons why this can happen, including:
Detergent
Using too much or too little detergent can cause clothes to feel rough after washing.
On the other hand, if you’re not using enough detergent, your clothes may not be getting clean enough, which can also lead to stiffness.
Laundry Products
Some fabric softeners contain chemicals that can actually make clothes feel rougher over time.
Hard Water
If the water in your locale has a high mineral content, it can make your garments feel rough and uncomfortable. Some of the minerals commonly found in hard water include calcium, magnesium, and sodium.
Chemicals
For example, borax is often used as a laundry booster, but it can be harsh on fabrics and cause them to feel stiff.
If you’re looking for a more natural alternative to traditional laundry products, you can try using soap nuts or making your own laundry detergent using ingredients like washing soda, baking soda, and essential oils.
Washing Machine
Finally, it’s important to make sure that your washing machine is clean and functioning properly.
Washing Techniques to Fix Rough Clothes
Rinse Cycle
- Use the rinse cycle on your washing machine to ensure that all soap and detergent is removed from your clothes.
- Rinse your clothes in cold water to help prevent clothes from becoming stiff.
- Avoid using too much detergent, as this can leave a residue on your clothes that can make them feel rough.
Natural Softening Methods
- Add a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle to help soften your clothes naturally.
- Use baking soda to help soften your clothes. Add half a cup of baking soda to your wash cycle.
- Add a cup of Epsom salt to your wash cycle to help soften your clothes.
Drying Techniques
- Air-dry your clothes to help prevent them from becoming stiff.
- Line-dry your clothes to help prevent them from becoming stiff.
- Use dryer sheets to help soften your clothes.
Removing Stains and Residue
Removing Detergent Residue
- Use less detergent: Overuse of detergent can leave residue on clothes. Follow the instructions on the detergent bottle.
- Add vinegar: Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help dissolve the residue.
- Use a low-pH detergent: Look for a low-pH detergent that can help dissolve minerals and eliminate hard-water buildup.
Removing Stains
Stains can also cause clothes to feel rough. Here’s how to remove them:
- Salt: Salt can help remove stains from clothes. Make a paste of salt and water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water.
- Liquid fabric softener: Liquid fabric softener can help remove stains. Apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual.
- Baking soda: Baking soda can help remove stains and odors. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual.
Other Tips
- Use fabric softener: Fabric softener can help keep clothes feeling soft. Use it in the rinse cycle.
- Line dry: Line drying can help keep clothes feeling soft. The heat from the dryer can cause clothes to feel rough.
- Use a gentle cycle: Use a gentle cycle when washing clothes. This can help keep them feeling soft.