How to Keep Towels Soft When Line-Drying

Line-drying towels can be a great way to save energy and related costs. It can also preserve the quality of your towels. However, it’s common for line-dried towels to become stiff and scratchy at times. But fear not! With these simple tips, you can keep your towels soft and fluffy even when line-drying them.

Thanks to these tips, you’ll never have to use scratchy towels again! Some of us are trying to save money in the best ways possible wherever we can, and that means saving on energy bills by not using our dryer. I recently wrote a post on 10 Ways to Utilize Old Bath Towels for Preppers, so make sure you check that out too.

Clothespins and Wooden Drying Rack and a Clothesline

1. Shake it out

Before hanging your towels on the line, give them a good shake. This will help loosen any wrinkles and restore some of their natural softness. In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to get fluffy towels when line drying. 12 Quick & Easy Tips for Washing Clothes

2. Choose a sunny and breezy spot

Select a location in your yard that receives ample sunlight and has good airflow. Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and helps remove any lingering odors. The breeze aids in the drying process and helps prevent towels from becoming musty. If you don’t want to have stiff towels and want to avoid the tumble in the dryer drum, then make sure you choose a sunny and breezy spot. How to Reduce Waste as a Prepper

3. Use fabric softener sparingly

While a liquid fabric softener can make towels feel soft due to its conditioner properties, it can also leave a residue that makes them less absorbent. Over time, the fabric softeners can build-up, causing other issues. Instead, opt for natural alternatives like vinegar or baking soda. Add half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle or sprinkle a little baking soda on the towels before hanging them. I can say that the use of fabric softener can be nice, but you have to watch how much of these conditioners you’re using in the washing machine. A cup of white vinegar does work best in my opinion.  10 Uses for Old Socks

4. Avoid overloading

To ensure proper airflow, avoid overcrowding the clothesline. Space out your towels so that there is plenty of room for air to circulate around each piece. This will help them dry faster and more evenly. A gentle breeze should be able to get through the towels on the line, which is why you don’t want to overload it. A softer feel on the surface of the towel will happen if there is enough room on the clothesline. 

5. Fluff it up

Once your towels are completely dry, give them a gentle shake or fluff them in the dryer for a few minutes on low heat, or better yet, the air dry setting while tumble drying the towels. This will help soften the fibers and give them a fluffy texture. Of course, you don’t have to do this if you’re avoiding the dryer or don’t have one. I find that the worst thing about line drying is scruffy towels. A last resort for this can be adding clean tennis balls at the end of the air-drying cycle to help fluff everything up. 

6. Avoid direct sunlight for colored towels

While sunlight is beneficial for white towels, it can cause discoloration and fading in colored towels due to the bleaching effect. If you have colored towels, choose a shaded area to line-dry them. This will help maintain their vibrant hue. Preparing for the School Year: Must-Have Items for Preppers

7. Be mindful of the weather

If it’s a humid day, it may take longer for your towels to dry completely. In such cases, consider bringing them indoors for the final drying process. This will prevent them from staying damp and musty, and keep them from mold or mildew. This is tough when you have loads of towels to get through, but it’s worth it!  How To Be Prepared For Extreme Cold Weather

8. Avoid using harsh detergents

Certain detergents contain chemicals that can make your towels have a rough finish and be stiff over time. Opt for mild, fragrance-free detergents specifically designed for delicate fabrics. This will help preserve the softness of your towels. You can make your own laundry detergent if you think it will help keep the harsh chemicals out of the towels that some laundry soap brands tend to leave. 

Using too much detergent with each load can also be a factor if there is a soapy residue. Unless your washer has a very effective rinse cycle, the amount of detergent can be an issue. Using less detergent also has the added bonus of saving money.

9. Skip the dryer sheets

Dryer sheets may leave a coating on your towels that can make them less absorbent. Instead, try using wool dryer balls. They help soften the fabric naturally and reduce drying time. Clothesline: Why You Need One Overuse of dryer sheets can cause the towels to be less effective when it comes to drying off after a bath or shower.

10. Give them a gentle massage

Once your towels are dry, give them a gentle massage by rubbing the fibers together. This will help restore their softness and fluffiness. This is one of my top tips because soft towels are way better to use than rough towels. Of course, the end result is to get dry towels, but sometimes doing simple things like this helps us save money and get us the soft towels we like! Here are a few more tips for How to Save Money in a Recession.

Which fabric tends to provide the softest towels?

It’s felt that cotton is the best fabric for absorbency and softness. There are a number of types of cotton used in towels, so check out the types you like the next time you need new towels and make towel purchases.

Microfiber is becoming fairly popular for towels, washcloths, and small hand towels.

More Laundry Tips for You

• How To Clean Your Laundry After A Disaster
• How To Have Clean Laundry When The Power Is Off
• Learn How To Wash Clothes During An Emergency
• How To Make Emergency Washing Machines

Final Word

Line drying towels doesn’t mean compromising on their softness. With these tips, you can ensure that your towels remain soft, fluffy, and usable. Embrace the natural drying method and enjoy the amazing feeling of line-dried towels every time you use the washing line. I can’t wait to hear how life is for you not using scratchy towels after you line dry them. May God Bless this World, Linda

Copyright Images: Towels Drying On the Clothesline Depositphotos_334905290_S, Towels Hanging On Clothesline Depositphotos_610152114_S