Blasted towels!!

[username12345T]

I've just bought some great towels. They are lovely, thick and absorbent and great quality.

I've just washed them on a cotton wash, with no conditioner and they have come out stiff as sandpaper again! This is the first time I've washed them, I didn't use too much detergent and there is no build up of detergent. I live in a hard water area though.

Should I use white vinegar? I don't know what to do. I need soft fluffy towels as I have very sensitive skin.

(I don't have a tumble dryer before anyone suggests that)

Please help.

Ecozone make a fabric softener specifically for towels that doesn't have the issues associated with normal fabric softeners. I also find they dry harder when dried on the washing line for some reason. I keep them on an airer indoors and give them a really good shake at least every hour or so as they're drying (I think I might have read that on MN previously). They're not 'tumble dryer soft' but of all the things I've tried (vinegar, bicarb soda, ironing, half doses of washing powder) that's been the most successful so far.