How can I keep my towels absorbent and soft at the same time?

Question

I have numerous bath towels that have become really rough, but when I use fabric softner or a fabic sheet, they don't absorb the water as well. How can I keep them soft but still have them abosrbed the water?

Answer 1

Instead of fabric softener, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the last rinse.  You won't smell it, the clothes will be nice and soft and your towels will be absorbent again.

Answer 2

If they are color towels use clorox 2 for clolors . If you are hanging them out to dry hang them inside instead of outside this will help cause the heat and the sun with humidity will make them rough and stiff . Good luck

oh ps also use snuggle softner it is the best out of all . downy stains sometimes and makes your towels where they don't absorb water that well .

Answer 3

Give final rinse with rain water or condensed water.

Or use little water softner (EDTA) while final rinsing.

Answer 4

Add 20 mule team borax to your wash, it removes all fabric softeners but leaves the towels cleaner than without it.  While drying, the natural nap will return to the towels and thus make them more absorbent and fluffy.  This has been a well known household hint for half a century, but most people think Borax went out in the 60's.