Why the washing line gives stiff towels
Short answer: Because air movement does not touch the fibres while they dry. They lie down in the position they have, and the result is a hard surface instead of an airy one.
Movement lifts the fibres
In a tumble dryer the fibres are thrown around all the time, and they end up standing out. They are what gives the soft feel, because they create air between the loops of the towel. When the towel hangs still instead, nothing lifts them again, and they stay as the water left them.
Still air gives flat fibres
On a line the fibres dry down against each other and stay there. The water withdraws, and the fibres almost stick together as they dry, with nothing to part them. The result feels flat and hard on the skin instead of airy. See bamboo towels for the bathroom.
Limescale makes it worse
In hard water, limescale settles between the fibres and keeps them stiff. As the towel dries, the limescale stays behind and hardens as the water evaporates. If you have hard water, you often feel it more clearly on the line than in the dryer. See bamboo envelope sheets and home and homewear in bamboo.
Shake before you hang
Shake the towel hard before you hang it. That lifts the fibres while they are still wet and mobile. Shake it again when dry, and pull it apart in both directions. It takes only a few seconds, but makes a clear difference to how the towel feels when you use it.
Wind helps
Yes. Drying outdoors in wind gives softer towels than in a still room. The wind moves the fibres as they dry, which imitates part of what the dryer does. Hang the towel where there is air all around, and avoid sheltered spots where the air stands still. A windy day is a good day for towels.
A short programme at the end
If you have a tumble dryer, a short programme at the end can loosen the fibres once the towel is almost dry on the line. Choose low heat and take the towel out when dry. That gives you the benefit of movement without exposing the towel to more heat than needed.
How to hang it
Hang the towel at full length so air reaches both sides, and avoid folding it double over the line. A double towel dries slowly in the middle and can turn stiff where it lies closest. Use several pegs so it does not hang crooked and pull in one direction.
Are stiff towels bad
No. They often absorb better than soft ones, because there is no coating on the fibres. A stiff towel is not ruined, and it can be used just fine. It simply feels less airy on the skin. What you prefer, and how you want to dry, is a matter of taste.
Keeping them airy
Follow a fixed routine: shake out, hang at full length, preferably in wind, shake again when dry, and fold. Wash them regularly so they do not collect residue. And let them dry fully between uses, so they do not smell damp when you take them out next time.
Frequently asked questions
What can I do without a tumble dryer?
Shake the towel hard before you hang it, and again when it is dry. Hang it at full length in a place with air all around, preferably outdoors in wind.
Does a little wind help?
Yes. Drying outdoors in wind gives softer towels than in a still room, because the wind moves the fibres as they dry, much as a tumble dryer does.
Are stiff towels bad?
No. They often absorb better than soft ones, because there is no coating on the fibres. They simply feel less airy on the skin, and what you prefer is a matter of taste.
