fluffy towels..whats the secret [angry]

[gardeningmum05]

how come when i go swimming everybody else has their towels fluffy like when they are new, and mine always go hard after a couple of washes
i use quality washing powder and softener, so whats the secret!!!
any advice gratefully received, sad though i am to ask

[stealthsquiggle]

Tumble drier. Ideally with dryer balls / clean tennis ball in.

Even if only for 10 minutes after line drying.

[bumpybecky]

don't use softener, it reduces the towel's absorbancy

I tumble dry towels to make them fluffy I've also line dried until nearly dry and them tumbled at the end, not quite as good, but feel less guilty about tumbling when sunny....

[NorbertDentressangle]

DP and I were having this conversation in the car yesterday.

We were returning from hols with a load of washing including towels galore and I was saying that despite glorious drying weather I would have to tumble dry the towels. If I tumble dry they are OK-ish but if I line dry them they are like sandpaper and as stiff as a board.

We wonderedif its because we are in a hard water area?

[expatinscotland]

Tumble dry whilst damp off the line, with dryer balls as stealth suggests.

NO softener. It coats the towel's fibres and makes the towel less absorbent.

Plus, it's sticky .

[Fizzylemonade]

Don't use fabric conditioner!!!! it gets soaked up into the towel and effects the drying properties.

Mine are fluffy after having them 10 years (good old M&S)

Wash them and tumble them.

I live in a hard water area, well its medium really, and I have a device in the garage that stops limescale build up or something. No furry kettle for me

[Fizzylemonade]

GOD I type slooooooooooooooooooooow

[gardeningmum05]

thankyou
dont use a tumble dryer so looks like i have to put up with it or buy new each week

[norktasticninja]

Tumble drying before you put them on the line works too, I find it less fuss.

[BonsoirAnna]

No softener.

Tumble dry.

[crankytwanky]

I know someone who saves up her used towels and takesthem to the laundrette every week to give 'em a good tumble dry, as she doesn't have a tumbly.

[MerlinsBeard]

just don't use softener in the towel wash.

[cheshirekitty]

No softener, and tumble dry.

[BernardsCat]

i like mine rough.

arf

[nannyL]

mine are good quality peacock blue

rarely tumble dried... always washed with half (or less) than the amount of recommended detergent with a slosh of white vinegar in the softener compartment.

line dried on my super high washingline that catches the wind

super soft always!