I am having a terrible time keeping my towels from getting hard and scratchy. I just bought a dozen new bath towels (good ones) washed them before using them, and already they are not as fluffy and soft as they were. The ones that were used have been washed for a second time, and they are already starting to feel scratchy. I know you aren't supposed to use fabric softener with towels, but how do you get them soft? Thank you. Donna ******************************************************* 03-06-06, 04:21 PM babthrower Hanging them on a windy day will help, but they'll still be less than fluffy at the hanging end. Running them in a dryer will help more, and they shouldn't get staticky if they're 100% cotton.
03-06-06, 06:58 PM Sherasi Why can't you use fabric softener with towels? I do.
I also use static cling sheets.
03-06-06, 07:38 PM clarebear
quote: Originally posted by Sherasi: Why can't you use fabric softener with towels? I do.
I also use static cling sheets.
I use Snuggle and my towels are Snuggly soft! Big Grin
03-06-06, 08:04 PM babthrower dcamp's right. I've read this in several sources.
03-06-06, 11:26 PM Tree Well, I'd never thunk it... thanks bab!
03-06-06, 11:54 PM gizmogram I use a Downey ball with my towels...the ONLY load I do that way. I want soft towels, and I don't even try to dry them outside, since it's almost always rainy where I live.
The Downey ball not only adds softness, but a nice clean scent. Very nice
03-07-06, 08:11 AM Georgia85 Yup Tree...my mother taught me never to use softener with towels. You sure can tell a difference too. While they may not be as soft as with softener they are a lot more absorbent. Of course, if you buy top quality towels they will still be soft without using fabric softener.
03-07-06, 09:50 AM Walks On Water dcamp,
I was just wondering if you are on city or well water? Remember, some city water systems are really well water.
What area or what city water system are you on? Do you know the Hardness of your water?
When you wash towels, do you have the option of 2 rinse cycles? If so, do you use it?
I am asking because we were having laundry problems around here. I found the Mrs was trying to save money and time by only using 1 of 2 rinse cycle.
03-07-06, 11:15 PM gizmogram Ya know? I see the posts here about not using fabric softener for towels because it affects their absorbency. I see no reduced absorbency in my towels, and as I said, use fabric softener on them regularly.
It really must have something to do with the water. I have soft water where I am.
03-07-06, 11:26 PM juanruiz I have to agree with the Downey camp. I do laundry all the time and use Downey for my towels. Haven't noticed any problem with absorbency.
03-08-06, 04:32 PM Sherasi We didn't start using fabric softener or dryer sheets until a year or so ago. We have always done laundry using a washer and dryer (in other words no outside line drying). I have seen no changes in absorbancy myself.
03-09-06, 06:47 PM kittypal I notice a big difference if I use softener in my towels, they are no where near as absorbant...You might want to try the new detergents that have a "touch" of softener right in the soap itself, it may be enough to soften the towels up, but not enough to make them water resistant.
03-09-06, 07:21 PM babthrower Can't claim any valid comparisons. I avoid most things which have IMO purely cosmetic value. So I rely on the wind to make my towels fluffy. Plus having 100% cotton helps, I think.
But I admit to using bleach. Red Face
03-11-06, 02:40 PM dcamp I don't use softener because I've always heard that it decreases absorbency. I use city water, but I do not know the hardness of it. My washing machine does not have the option of a second rinse, but if that will help keep them fluffier, I can always run them through a second rinse myself. I guess I should try some softener and see if that makes a difference in absorbency. I do not hang outside----I use my dryer for everything. Thanks for all the tips everyone. Donna
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