To reduce my carbon foot print I have been hanging clothes the old fashioned way, on the clothes line. I find going out doors twice a day is much more refeshing than going to the dark garage turning on that old hot dryer that doesn't work well over and over. Mostly this is all good, however, my towels are very crispy! Rough to say the least. Most things other than towels I simply iron the stiffness away. I don't wish to iron towels so are there ways to soften line dried clothes?
Thanks everyone, Yes I am pretty much used to the drying myself the scratchy way after a couple of years now of hanging my laundry out. The line dried towels are extremly absorbent. I just thought I was missing something. I'll use the short dryer treatment for my guests. Thanks!
D.,
I line dry my clothes often as well, they actually dry faster in the hot sun than in the dryer. I always throw the clothes/towels in the dryer for 5-10 minutes before folding and putting away. Nothing is ever crisp. If you find a better solution, please let me know as I'd rather not use the dryer but so far this is what works for me!
M.
You can also toss them in the dryer for about 3-5 minutes after they are dry. Most dryers have an option where you airdry and it's just to get the crisp out.
Take Care!
Downey in the rinse cycle. Maybe use the dryer just a little to put the fluff on the terrycloth.
maybe when you wash your towels try a fabric softener (if you dont already) or give in and put them in the dryer on a long low heat cycle.
Hey D.,
Love this topic as I am also trying to reduce my carbon footprint! Check out gorgeouslygreen.com - she's got a ton of suggestions on laundry. I've also heard great things about soap nuts. Google maggies soap nuts for more information! Good luck - W.
You can try white vinegar (a cupful) in the rinse cycle. It cuts the detergent residue. Don't worry-your clothes won't smell like vinegar! It also acts as a fabric softener. But use it only on your towels as it can weaken elastics.
You can also try using a baby detergent that is milder and washes out more cleanly.
You can also try an extra rinse cycle to get all the detergent out. This one I struggle with because we are in the midst of a drought. SIGH!
Thank you for saving the earth one laundry load at a time!!! You are a GREAT example to your kids and friends and everyone on this board.
E.
hi D., I'm with you I use a clothes line as well. the sun is what makes the towels stiff, also use a liquid form detergent, and bring them off the line as soonas they are dry, cause once they are dry, they start getting stiff. J.
also use a good fabric softner.
I guess we didn't have a dryer for most of my younger years (I don't remember real clearly), because I remember our towels were always very crisp. That is what I was used to so that is the way I preferred them. Once we got a dryer and were using fabric softeners, it took me a long time to get used to the soft towels. Just in case you don't find a way to get the towels softer, I thought I would tell you that you just might get used to it and decide you like them better that way!
Thank you for being conservative with our resources!!
First off, a liquid detergent is best. I use SA8 and it only takes a small amount. Less wasted there too!
Fabric softener will make the towels softer but also resistant to absorbing moisture, which is what they are make for. I have never tried the vinegar thing but my detergent rinses out so well that I don't have that problem with my towels. I just need to give them a good shake. Not as soft as dryer towels but not far off.
You can get SA8 at www.we-us.mychoices.biz, it has always been eco friendly as all the cleaning products they make are.
