Keeping towels soft through many washes
Short answer: Towels turn stiff when detergent, limescale or fabric softener is left behind in the fibres. Use a little detergent, rinse well and dry them fully. Here are the habits that help towels feel good even after many washes.
Why towels turn stiff
Most towels do not turn stiff with age but with residue. Detergent, limescale from the water and softener settle between the fibres and make them hard and less absorbent. If a towel is hung up damp and never dried properly, it can also feel clammy and stiff. These are small habits, but they make a noticeable difference when towels are meant to last for many years.
Use less detergent than you think
More detergent does not make cleaner towels, only more residue. Follow the dosage on the pack and use the low dose if the machine is half full. In soft water, use even less. Choose a mild detergent and wash bamboo towels by the label.
Softener or not
Softener makes towels smell nice and feel soft the first few times, but it leaves a film on the fibres so they absorb less well. Skip it and add an extra rinse instead. A little vinegar can remove residue, but check the label before you use it. Take time to experiment so you find the solution that suits your daily routine and your bathroom.
Load the machine properly
If the machine is overfilled, the water cannot rinse properly and the detergent stays behind. Fill it only two thirds and wash towels with other towels, not with clothes with zips and hook-and-loop fasteners that pull at the fibres. Wash them on their own if you can.
Drying that keeps them soft
Shake the towel well before it goes in the dryer or on the line so the fibres stand up. Dry on medium heat and take them out while still slightly damp if you want them soft. Air drying outdoors gives a slightly firmer feel that many people like. Remember that the label in the towel always has the last word on temperature and care.
How often to wash them
Most people change the towel after three or four uses if it can hang and dry in between. If it lies damp together with other things, change it more often. Have enough towels that you can change without them never drying fully.
When a towel has turned stiff
Wash it once without detergent at the temperature on the label and rinse twice. That often removes residue and gives the fibres some softness back. If that does not help, it may be worn, and then it is time for a new one. That applies to new and older towels alike, however many you own.
The rest of the bedroom and bathroom
The same habits apply to the other textiles at home. See bamboo bedding and sleepwear if you want the same gentle feel from the towel to the bed.
Frequently asked questions
Should you use fabric softener on towels?
It is seldom needed and can make towels less absorbent because it leaves a film on the fibres. An extra rinse often gives a better feel than softener.
Why do towels turn hard after the dryer?
It is often down to detergent and limescale residue and too much heat. Use less detergent, dry on medium heat and shake the towel before it goes in the dryer.
How often should towels be changed?
After three or four uses if they can dry in between. If they hang damp or are used by several people, change them more often.
