Why Do Towels Get Rough?

Towels can often feel rough and stiff after washing, especially if you hang them to dry. This happens because the fibers in the towels dry and contract, causing them to become brittle and less fluffy. The stiffness can be frustrating, but there are simple solutions to make your towels soft and fluffy again.

Shaking and Rolling Technique

One effective method to soften your towels is by shaking and rolling them. After the towels are dry, take one end of the towel and shake it vigorously. Roll the towel up tightly as if you were compressing it, then shake it again. This technique mimics the wind blowing over the fabric, helping to restore the fibers to their original softness. This method can be particularly effective if you hang your towels to dry, as it helps to disperse any tension and smooth out the fibers.

Restore Softness with Fabric Softener

If your towels are too stiff, a fabric softener can help to restore their softness. When fibers dry, they stick to each other, making them brittle and hard. Using a fabric softener can help to break the bonds between the fibers, making your towels soft and fluffy once again.

Adjusting Laundry Techniques

The roughness of your towels might be due to improper washing techniques. Common culprits include using too much detergent, washing in cold water, and the use of excessive fabric softener. Here are a few tips to improve your towel softness:

Use Hot Water: Wash your towels a couple of times with hot water and half a cup of white vinegar. Hot water helps to dissolve the detergent better, and the vinegar softens the fibers without leaving a vinegary residue. Reduce Detergent and Softener: Try washing your towels with less detergent and half the amount of fabric softener. Start with smaller amounts and see if your towels feel softer without needing further adjustments. Measure Carefully: Overloading the detergent can deposit more detergent on your towels, leading to stiffness. After you start measuring your detergent more carefully, you might find your towels becoming softer. Use the right amount of detergent for the load size and water temperature. Test Different Formulas: Experiment with different laundry detergents, such as the Tide Free/Sensitive Skin formula, which can be gentler on your towels. If you do use softener, add it only in moderation, especially during the second wash.

City Water Softeners

Living in an area with hard water can significantly impact the softness of your towels. Hard water can leave behind mineral deposits that make towels feel rough. Using a water softener, like DISH and DSIL, can solve this issue. For instance, CS, DSIL, and DISH noticed a significant difference in their clothes and dishes when they transitioned to softened city water from hard water sources.

Conclusion

Towels getting rough can be a common issue, but with the right techniques, you can keep them soft and fluffy. Whether it's shaking and rolling, using a fabric softener, adjusting your washing methods, or using a water softener, these simple steps can help improve the quality of your towels and make your laundry routine more pleasant.