Why Do Towels Go Stiff? What Should You Watch Out for When Caring for Them?
If a towel you loved buying has started to feel stiffer over time, you don’t have to buy a new one straight away. Let’s first take a look at your washing and drying habits together.
After a bath, we want to reach for a soft, fluffy towel. Over time, however, the texture of that same towel can change. Stiffness doesn’t always come from a single cause; the water used, the amount of detergent, rinsing and drying conditions can all play a part together.
First step: read the care label
There is no single washing temperature that applies to every towel. Fabric content, colour, borders and embellishments can change the care conditions.
Go by the temperature and drying instructions given on the label. Washing hotter does not always mean better care.
Don’t add extra detergent by guesswork
The thought “If I add a little more detergent, it will come out cleaner” may not give good results. Too much detergent and insufficient rinsing can contribute to residue building up in the towel.
When deciding on the dose, consider the recommendation on the detergent packaging, the size of the load, how dirty it is and the water hardness together. Just as too much detergent may not be right, using too little for your water conditions may not be suitable either.
Don’t overload the machine
Cramming towels into the drum can make washing and rinsing more difficult. Stick to the load capacity specified for the programme you have chosen. The maximum capacity written on the machine may not apply to every programme.
Don’t see fabric softener as an automatic fix
Increasing the amount of fabric softener is not a reliable way to fix a towel that has gone stiff. Some products can have a negative effect on the towel’s absorbency.
Check the towel manufacturer’s care recommendation. Even if it is suitable to use, don’t exceed the amount stated on the packaging.
Pay attention to the drying stage
Once the wash has finished, don’t leave towels sitting in the machine for a long time. Give them a gentle shake before hanging them, and spread them out so that air can reach them.
If you use a tumble dryer, follow the suitability and heat information on the label. Don’t fold towels and put them away in the cupboard before they are completely dry.
What should you do if the stiffness persists?
Review the detergent dose, the programme, the load size and the maintenance condition of your machine. Also consider that water hardness may play a part. Because of how long the towel has been in use and any existing wear, it may not always be possible for it to return to the feel it had on the first day.
The best starting point in caring for the towels you love is not using more products, but taking the right amount, a suitable programme and the care label into account together.