Your towel does not absorb any more

Short answer: Fabric softener and detergent residue coat the loops. Wash without softener and run one wash with vinegar, and the absorbency comes back.

What blocks the loops

A towel absorbs because thousands of small loops can draw water in. When a layer of softener or soap coats each loop, the surface becomes water repellent. The towel feels soft and works worse at the same time.

The cure

Run the towels alone at sixty degrees with no detergent and a cup of white vinegar in the softener drawer. Then run an ordinary wash with a little powder and no softener. Two rounds remove most coatings. The same goes for bamboo bedding that has turned slick.

How to keep them absorbent

Drop fabric softener entirely on towels. Use powder rather than liquid detergent, because powder contains less softening agent. Do not overfill the machine, so the towels rinse clean. See bamboo towels.

Drying does the rest

Shake the towel firmly before drying so the loops stand up. Dry on a line or on low heat. If line drying leaves them stiff, ten minutes in the dryer afterwards brings the softness back. See bamboo home and homewear.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a new towel absorb poorly

Because there is a manufacturing residue in the fabric. It goes after two or three washes.

Can I use bicarbonate of soda instead

Yes, bicarbonate in the detergent drawer and vinegar in the softener drawer work together.

How often should towels be descaled

With hard water about every three months, otherwise when they start feeling slick.