Why Towels Get So Stiff When You Dry Them on the Line

Why Towels Get So Stiff When You Dry Them on the Line

(Inside Science) -- The stiff, crunchy feel of an air-dried cotton towel is caused by a small amount of residual water “gluing” the fibers together, new research shows. Even in the driest climates, cotton naturally retains water because its main component -- cellulose -- attracts water molecules. At 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 C) and 60% relative humidity, about 8% of cotton’s weight is water.

When is it Necessary to Line Dry? - Clean Laundry

Why Are Air-dried Towels So Stiff?

How to fix stiff towels for soft and fluffy results without rewashing them

The 9 Best Hand Towels of 2023, According to Testing

How to keep your towels soft and fluffy

How to Keep Clothes Soft After Air-Drying

Here's How To Do Laundry By Hand So You Don't Miss A Spot

Top Line-Drying Laundry Problems Solved

How do I keep towels soft and absorbent? – Saardé

How to Properly Care for Bath and Beach Towels [Laundry Tips] - Heritage Park Laundry Essentials

The Complete Towel Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

I Tried 9 Methods to Soften My Towels. Here's What Actually Worked

How to get rid of mildew smell in towels