It's one of life's great annoyances to buy lovely, soft, only for them to turn hard and crispy after just a few washes.

It's natural to think that adding more or might help combat the problem, but this can actually contribute to their loss of softness as the excess won't rinse away.

According to the , the hardness comes from a build-up of soap residue and over-drying.

An overload of harsh detergent will strip your towels of their natural softness and will cling to your towel even after washing, so it's important to stick to the recommended amount.

The firm explains: "High-quality bath towels should feel thick and indulgent; however, because of this, the detergent can be harder to remove during rinse cycles than other materials. This will accumulate over time and may cause your towels to feel hard and stiff.

"Ensuring you're using a gentle detergent is also important, as towels are made from natural fibres like cotton. Harsh detergents can cause permanent damage to these fibres."

The firm says a simple temperature change in your washing machine should combat that scratchy, hard texture.

Towels are best washed at a slightly cooler temperature because if the water is too hot then it can strip the natural fibres on your towel of their softness, although it still needs to be warm to ensure the washing powder dissolves.

The Secret Linen Store recommends an ideal temperature of between 30 and 40 degrees to keep towels luxuriously soft.

The firm explains: "Reports show that freshly washed towels can have around 190,000 bacteria counts. After just one day of use, that number jumps to 17 million, and after a week, it can reach as high as 94 million.

"With so many germs, washing your towels at high temperatures is tempting. But while it might seem like the best way to get rid of the bacteria, it won't keep your towels soft and fluffy.

"Like harsh detergents, hot water can strip the natural fibres of their softness, leaving them rough and less absorbent. To keep them fresh and soft, we recommend washing your towels at a cooler temperature, between 30 and 40 degrees."

Once washed, give towels a good shake before hanging them out to dry as this will help to loosen the fibres, promoting better airflow. When they are fully dry, give them another shake to prevent any stiffness and maintain their fluffiness.

It's also worth avoiding stacking towels under heavy piles when you put them away, as this can flatten the fibres.

They're best stored loosely with some space for air to circulate as this will keep them softer and fresher for longer.