Keeping towels soft?

[TinkRose]

Hi!
Without a dryer, how do you keep bath towels/washcloths soft? I don’t want to scratch my baby with uncomfortable towels!

Dry them on the line on a blowy day. I’ve found the longer they take up dry the harder they are. Apparently leaving them out in the rain helps as it washes out any left over detergent

A spoon or two of bicarbonate in the wash and a slosh of vinegar for the final rinse.

Bicarbonate of soda, that should read.

Give them a good shake before hanging up, fluffs the fibres up for free!

I read that white vinegar instead of softener helps, but mine are still quite rough. I've washed them many times without detergent to remove any left over, but they're still no better. I'm planning on buying a washer dryer and I'll only use the dryer for towels.

Dry on line when possible and then 10 mins in tumble dryer to soften them.

Whatever you do, don’t use fabric conditioner as this coats the fibres and makes them clumpy and non-absorbant. Surprisingly, running an iron over them will also help remove any perceived scatchiness, too.