Why are my towels really hard and stiff after drying?

[MostlyCake]

Makes no difference if I air dry over a clothes horse or put them in the tumble dryer, I don't use dryer sheets or anything.

The baby's towels are very scratchy now and I worry about his skin.

Why does this happen and what can I do?

What washing detergent do you use? How hot do you wash your towels?

I would try washing them at 90° just adding a little vinegar.

I think fabric conditioner can do this, so I've read.

Must admit I use fabric conditioner and as long as I tumble dry they're fine.

too much detergent?

Surf for our stuff and fairy non bio for ds. I wash everything fairly cool - 30° or 40° and then stick them in a boil wash every now and then.

I'll try the vinegar suggestion - thanks!

I've just found another thread on this very subject with other suggestions! Lots to try, luckily I love hate doing the washing....!

I'm pretty frugal tight with the recommended amounts of powder and use about two thirds of the suggested volumes. I don't use fabric conditioner either as i thought it made towels less absorbant.

They may have soap residue. Give them a hot hot hot wash with a cup of washing soda crystals, and NO soap or fabsoft.

I gave a bag of soda crystals, are these the same as washing soda crystals? Do you just put it in the drawer or in the drum?

DP was asking me about this. Do you live in a hard water area? I'm thinking this might have some effect.

yes, those are soda crystals.
I would put them directly into the drum.

(I also put in the washing powder directly into the drum, keeps the drawe clean)

I find dryer balls (like the ones from Lakeland) help,they contain no chemicals.

I know you need soft ones for a baby but I love rough towels they get you really dry.

Not much soap then do an extra rinse and spin after the original wash cycle has ended. Then tumble dry or dry on the line/airer and tumble just at the end.

I like crispy towels too

hard water definitely has an effect, our towels and flannels go as stiff as cardboard!

It's more for the towels for the baby, I like tough towels too! I'll try the soda crystals and mega heat tmro.

Thanks all