The French Maid Secret to Softer Towels and Brighter Laundry

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Everyone knows the French have a reputation for elegance in fashion and culinary finesse—but they also hold a few secrets when it comes to keeping things spotlessly clean. One of those secrets, passed down from hotel maids in France, is a simple trick that can breathe new life into your laundry while extending the lifespan of your washing machine.

For many households, the struggle is familiar: towels losing their softness, colors fading after countless washes, and machines developing stubborn odors. But what if the solution was something as ordinary as a kitchen staple?

The secret is salt. A single teaspoon of plain table salt sprinkled directly into the drum before washing works wonders:

• Softens fabrics. Towels and linens regain their gentle touch.
• Revives colors. Bright clothing looks fresher and more vibrant.
• Protects your machine. Salt not only boosts the quality of each wash but also helps reduce limescale buildup and lingering smells inside the appliance.

This straightforward tip, used by French maids for years, could transform the way you approach laundry. Sometimes, the best fixes are the simplest ones.

Of course, salt is not the only ally in keeping your washing machine in top shape. Regular care is just as important. Once a month, it’s worth running a cleaning cycle to remove limescale and prevent mold caused by trapped moisture. Household staples such as baking soda, lemon acid, chlorine-based cleaners, or vinegar can be used effectively for this purpose.

With these small adjustments, laundry becomes less of a chore and more of a craft—one that keeps clothes looking fresh, towels feeling soft, and your washing machine running smoothly for years to come.