My towels seem to be getting rougher when I wash them, I have even started to do an extra rinse and spin with comfort in. Has anyone any ideas how to get them soft again, I do not use a tumble dryer.
Maybe I should be buying some new ones they are quite old.
polly xx
I notice on the washing instructions on towels it now says tumble dry, I think that keeps them soft. I havn't got a tumble dryer and what would it cost to try bath towels in a tumble dryer. I have to give mine a good iron both sides to soften them, hard work but good exercise.
Lib x
Not good to iron them, makes the pile flat. Comfort and Softeners are the culprits. Do not use these anymore, you can buy a product which takes this out of your towels. It has been stated on the washing info not to use this. I live in a hard water area, so now got a water softener installed and all is lovely, plus you use much less of products xx
I always tumble dry mine for softness
I also tumble dry my towels, if I line dry them they go quite hard and rough despite them being good quality 600gsm.
If you add fabric conditioner it affects the absorbency, lots of towels now say not to add it.
If you buy some new ones Polly, go for the heaviest quality you can find such as 600gsm. I got some lovely ones from Dunelm Mill sometime ago their "Hotel" ones. Not sure if they still do them but the 100% Egyptian cotton ones are 620gsm and worth paying £3.99 for a hand towel I think. I've had mine for 4 years now and they're still as thick, fluffy and absorbent as when I first had them.
Thank you everyone, I will give ironing them a try, failing that will buy some new ones.
polly xx
I have been washing towels, now for over 50 years. What works for me: good quality towels, conditioner, a blow on the line. I like the tumble drier but husband starts on about the costs.
I have a rainsoft water softener and this makes a difference, for those that can afford it. I think that is the secret. My daughters towels down south, are hard, if she doesn't use conditioner.
Good luck. anieseed x
I'm from down south, we have very hard water down here, I line dry then tumble them for 15 mins, makes them nice and soft
I always finish off in tumble dryer after a blow on the line ( weather permitting) & never use fabric softener as it makes towels less absorbent.
Best wishes
Jo 
that's wat I do dry outside then dryer 20 minuts,but if no dryer iron them,
I got the same problem x
I need new towels regular cos I have to tumble dry or their too rough. to save money I get small size ones. I'm lucky living in the US we moved here to retire and u can get stuff real cheap.
wearing natural fabrics good too like linen or cotton. make sure u avoid strong detergents in the wash x
Soapnuts or the eco friendly wash balls (as an alternative to detergent) may be kinder to the skin.
Tumble drier for me - an expense well worth it.
As Blakey, but I do use a desert spoon of Fairy Snow non bio. I tumble dry as no outside space and tiny flat.
After a shower I just put on a towelling robe and let it dry me while I do a few jobs before I get dressed. Doesn't make me as breathless as drying myself either. Keep smiling
Carole x
The reason may be because of your medication which unfortunately you can't change. If you have been taking inhalers etc for a period of time, the steroids tend to make the skin thinner, more sensitive and take a way the layer of fat that lies just below your skin. It;s one of the unavoidable side effects. Air drying can help but be aware of small pockets of moisture trapped in creases of skin...these can cause "nappy rash" type problems.
Another answer is to give your skin a break from the wash and towel dry routine...and I don't mean stink the house out. You can buy all over body wipes from mobility specialists. They are a medicated, un-perfumed large style of baby wipe.Not the cheapest product but they are large enough and contain enough to do the entire body and there is no need to dry off.
I've learnt something new, Brian, thanks for the tip about body wipes
if u have no dryer try ironing them,even sitting down if easier for u ,wen I have had mine out to dry there hard so I iron them,
This is no joke. I had a mate in the RAF and when we went on a months field exercise, I asked him if he had forgotten to pack his towel He said he didn't use one, he used a flannel. Couldn't believe this but he did. After his bath, he got his trusty flannel, a dry one, and started drying himself. When it was sopping wet, he rang it out several times and started again. He was dry before I was and he had only got a flannel to dry but I had a flaming great bath sheet. So, if you forget to pack a towel, give it a go...as long as you have enough strength in your hands to wring it out.
Hi Pollyjj, I too had this problem so I asked the computer for the solution and it was easy. The towels go harder as the build up of detergent happens. White vinegar in the wash instead of detergent and do not use a softener as this too builds up on the towels. I don't use my dryer anymore as it is too expensive, so line drying after the vinegar wash works wonders. Good luck Maximonkey
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