Fabric softener is probably the most obvious choice when you want softer towels, however, it can also have the opposite effect. The main reason that towels are tough after going through the washing machine is that fabric softeners and detergents have built up on the fibres over time.  

While it sounds counterintuitive, using too much detergent is bad for towels. When soap residue builds up, the towels don’t dry as effectively, decreasing their softness and increasing their ability to be a breeding ground for bacteria. According to the cleaning experts at Ask Team Clean, even “the crustiest of towels can feel like new by simply making one change”, meaning you won’t have to discard your towels or put them in the rag pile. They recommend using baking soda if you want to “restore the fluffiness”. 

Baking soda is a great natural detergent and a kitchen staple ingredient for most.

Before using baking soda, separating towels from other types of laundry is crucial for maintaining their softness. 

Towels are typically heavier and more absorbent than other fabrics, requiring a different washing approach. By washing towels separately, you prevent the rough textures of other garments from damaging the towels' fibres, thereby preserving their softness and absorbency.

To create a “softer texture” and get rid of the “sour odour” that may also occur on towels, run a wash cycle with a half-cup of baking soda without washing powder.

The experts at Linens Limited noted that they prefer the use of baking soda over vinegar, which most people reach for.

They said, “Using baking soda may be a better option than vinegar as it is a more neutral substance that will not linger in any noticeable way.”

Once washed, dry on high heat and remove immediately when dry, as line drying towels is the “biggest culprit in creating hard, scratchy towels”.

You can try to keep them soft by drying them until they are nearly dry on the line, then finishing them off with 10 minutes in the dryer. 

Whichever method of drying you adopt, you could try giving your towels a good shake to help fluff them up.