HEIR IT OUT
I cleaned for the Royal Family at Buckingham palace – their 4-step laundry routine eliminates odours & keep clothes soft
Watch the video for more top laundry tips
A FORMER cleaner at Buckingham Palace has shared the four step laundry routine she swears by to make sure towels are soft and fresh enough for a king.
Anne Simmon, 57, from Berkshire, worked in the royal palace for many years, and during this time perfected a simple routine to ensure that towels used by the likes of King Charles and Queen Camilla always look and smell their best.
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And although you may be forgiven for thinking that any method fit for royalty must be costly, the cleaning whizz revealed that her secret is a 35p kitchen cupboard item.
Speaking to Plumbworld, Anne explained that her simple, four step method ensures towels stay fluffy, absorbent and pristine.
Step One - Swap Fabric Softener for White Vinegar
The cleaning guru revealed that the trick to success involves avoiding a common mistake - using too much fabric conditioner.
Many people believe that by loading their towels with fabric softener they will become fluffy and fresh.
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However, this is not the approach taken in the royal household.
She said: "People assume adding more fabric softener makes towels softer, but in reality, it ruins the absorbency. In the palace, we never use it on towels."
Anne revealed that royal household cleaners instead place half a cup of white vinegar in with a load, which removes odours and banishes detergent buildup.
White vinegar can be purchased for just 35p from the supermarket, and also softens towels, and keeps them fresher for longer.
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Anne said: "It’s a trick passed down through the years, and it works better than anything store-bought."
Step Two - Shake
Anne's second tip for soft towels is to shake them out before drying.
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She explained that after each towel is removed from the washing machine, it is given a shake to loosen fibres.
This also prevents matting and makes sure that towels stay plush and airy.
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Step Three - Don't Use High Heat
Anne's third tip is to make sure not to dry towels on a high heat setting, as this can damage fibres and make towels rough.
Instead, Anne uses a low, gentle setting, with tennis balls or dryer balls placed alongside them.
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This helps to fluff the towels, prevent clumps and enhance softness.
Additionally, Anne revealed that the Royal household removes towels from the dryer when they are still damp, and then air dries them, which helps to retain plushness.
Step Four - Folding
When folding towels, Anne explained that royal cleaning staff never stack towels when they are still warm from the dryer, as this traps moisture.
Instead, towels are air-cooled before folding, and are then stored in a well-ventilated linen closet.
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"It's a tiny detail, but it makes a difference," Anne said.
"Palace towels always smell fresh, that's why."
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