Wrapping up in a cosy, fluffy dressing gown and settling down on the sofa in front of the telly at the end of the day is one of life’s simplest pleasures.

While there are different varieties of dressing gown to choose from, the soft and fluffy ones are undoubtedly the comfiest but after a few washes they can turn hard and crispy. It’s natural to start reaching for the fabric conditioner and piling this into your washing machine to help soften the material back up, but this can actually cause them to lose their fluffiness as the excess won’t rinse away. Instead, to maintain that soft fluffiness, you need to adjust your washing machine to the right temperature setting.

Lingerie and nightwear brand Boux Avenue says the ideal temperature to wash your dressing gown is 40 degrees, as anything hotter than this could cause damage to the soft fibres.

The brand explains: “Ideally, wash your fluffy dressing gown approximately every four wears - any more and you risk allowing bacteria to grow on it. Wash it on its own - 40 degrees is the best temperature - any hotter risks damaging the soft fibres.

“Use a gentle detergent - going easy on the dosage. Once washed, do not tumble dry. Air or line dry your robe and keep it hung up whenever you’re not wearing it. Extra tip for re-fluffing: try using a hair brush to help soften and part the fibres after it has dried to make it feel like new!”

As well as getting the washing temperature right, it’s also important not to overdo it on the washing powder, as too much can contribute to that unwanted hard and crispy texture which is caused by a build-up of soap residue and over-drying.

If you put too much harsh washing powder in your machine, coupled with a healthy dose of fabric conditioner, then this can actually strip your dressing gown of its natural softness and will cling to the material even after it’s been washed.

Laundry detergent experts We Are Dip explain: “Excessive detergent leads to residue clinging onto fabrics, resulting in a stiff and scratchy texture, contrary to the softness we love.

“It's crucial to use the right amount of detergent to avoid these pitfalls and ensure your laundry emerges clean, soft, and comfortable to wear.”