If you want to keep towels soft and prevent them from becoming hard or scratchy when dried in a dryer without relying on fabric softeners, there are several alternative methods you can try:
Vinegar: Adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle can help soften towels naturally. Use about half a cup of vinegar in place of fabric softener. The vinegar helps remove detergent residues and mineral deposits, leaving the towels softer.
Baking Soda: Another option is to add half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle. Baking soda helps neutralize odors and soften the towels.
Dryer Balls: Use dryer balls made of wool or rubber in the dryer along with your towels. These balls help fluff up the towels and reduce static cling, resulting in softer, more comfortable towels.
Avoid Overdrying: Overdrying towels can make them stiff and scratchy. To prevent this, remove the towels from the dryer as soon as they are fully dry or slightly damp. Leaving them in the dryer for an extended period can result in excessive drying and roughening of the fabric.
Shake Them Out: Once the towels are dry, give them a good shake to fluff them up and loosen any stiffness. This can help restore some softness to the fabric.
Line Drying: If weather permits, consider line drying your towels occasionally. Sun and fresh air can have a natural softening effect on fabrics.
By employing these methods, you can maintain softer towels without relying heavily on fabric softeners.