If your towels become hard and crunchy even after drying them on low heat in the dryer for an extended period, it can be due to a few factors:
Over-drying: Towels tend to become stiff when they are over-dried. The extended period of time in the dryer may cause the fibers to become too dry and lose their natural softness. Try reducing the drying time and remove the towels from the dryer while they are still slightly damp.
Hard water: Hard water contains mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals can build up on your towels, making them feel rough and stiff. The low heat in the dryer may not be enough to remove these mineral deposits. Consider using a water softener or adding a water softening agent, such as borax or washing soda, to your laundry.
Fabric softener buildup: Fabric softeners can leave residue on towels, especially when used excessively. Over time, this buildup can make towels feel stiff. If you have been using fabric softeners regularly, try washing your towels without fabric softener for a few cycles to remove the residue.
Incorrect detergent usage: Using too much detergent or using a detergent that doesn't rinse out completely can leave a residue on the towels, making them stiff. Ensure you're using the appropriate amount of detergent for your load size, and consider using a detergent specifically designed for softening fabrics.
Quality of towels: The quality and type of towels can also contribute to their stiffness. Towels made from lower-quality or rougher fibers may not soften as easily. Investing in higher-quality towels made from materials like Egyptian cotton or bamboo can result in softer and more absorbent towels.
By adjusting these factors and experimenting with different methods, you should be able to restore softness to your towels.