Softening towels in the washing machine without using a dryer is possible by following these tips:
Vinegar rinse: Add half a cup to a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle. Vinegar helps remove detergent residues, which can make towels feel stiff. It also acts as a natural fabric softener, leaving your towels feeling softer.
Baking soda boost: Along with detergent, add half a cup of baking soda to the wash. Baking soda can help soften the water and break down any mineral buildup in the towels.
Fabric softener alternative: Instead of using commercial fabric softeners, which can leave a coating on towels and reduce absorbency, try making a natural fabric softener by mixing equal parts of water and hair conditioner. Dilute this mixture and add it during the rinse cycle.
Avoid overloading: Don't overload the washing machine, as this can prevent the towels from agitating and rinsing properly, resulting in stiff towels.
Rinse twice: If your washing machine has the option, run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent and residue is thoroughly washed out.
Avoid using too much detergent: Using excessive detergent can leave residues on towels, making them feel less soft. Follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage for your machine and load size.
Skip the fabric softener and dryer sheets: If you don't have a dryer, avoid using fabric softener or dryer sheets as they might leave a coating on the towels, affecting their softness.
Shake out and stretch after washing: Once the washing cycle is complete, give the towels a good shake and stretch to fluff them up and promote softness.
Line drying: If you have the option, line dry your towels in the sun or fresh air. Sun drying can naturally soften the towels and give them a pleasant scent.
Remember that the type of detergent you use and the hardness of your water can also affect how soft your towels feel. Experiment with different methods and see which combination works best for your towels and washing machine.