How do I launder towels so they are soft?

So would I if I didn’t tumble dry them

Don't use fabric conditioner, tumble dry.

I have the same problem. I don’t want to use the tumble dryer if I can help it. It seems to have got worse over the last couple of years. I wonder if manufacturers are reducing the plastic bits these days and laundry products are not like they were??

Tumble them

I was told not to use fabric conditioner for towels as it prevents them from drying effectively so tumble dry mine, even in the summer if they go outside I pop them in the dryer for a short time.

Yes, it sort of works to tumble dry them a bit after they have been line dried, but they need plenty of room in the drum.

Tumble dry, at least in part

No conditioner, I use white vinegar instead. Tumble dryer is only way to keep them soft.

Nothing I like better than a rough towel!

As others have said.
1. Do NÓT use Fabric Condition
2. Tumble dry

Same here luckygirl.
They dry you quicker too.
Dh puts his in the tumle for 10 min`s.

Tumble dryer. If you don't like using the tumble dryer too much, dry the towels on the line first and then use the dryer for a few minutes.

I do this with other clothing too as it means there isn't so much to iron!

Use white vinegar instead of fabric conditioner; I promise it doesn't leave the towels vinegary! I agree about tumble drying, but I save money by letting them dry first, then putting them in the tumble dryer (with a damp cloth if they are completely dry) and running it for a short time.

I prefer a rough towel as well. They seem more absorbent. If I want a soft towel for a certain visitor, the ideal thing is to line dry for a few hours then pop in the tumble dryer to finish off.

I’ve got a washer dryer so can only dry in small quantities.

My towels kept going hard before they were otherwise ready for replacement and I have gone through so many decent quality but hard scratchy towels. I read about the white vinegar wash and also that towels get a build up of skin cells being rubbed on them as well as skin softening shower creams being left on them.
My solution, after a couple of 90 degree washes (first one with 2 cups of white vinegar) and using washing powder only, they have returned to softness (after tumble drying on not too hot a setting) and I feel I have washed the build up of fats from them and now use only washing powder and a small amount of fabric conditioner on a 60 or 40 degree wash.
This really works and saves the towels!

I love a hard, scratchy towel. I hate fluffy.

I am with Luckygirl.

A rough towel rubbed over the skin gets rid of dead skin cells beautifully and the water absorbed by the towel softens it up.

No need to increase your electricity bill.

I prefer a rough towel too much more absorbent.

Two 90 degree wash cycles! - gosh!

Mine go through one 40 degree cycle and that's it.

No tumble dryer. Any alternative suggestions?

My husband loved soft towels, I prefer to line dry if possible. He would often say how he...’bloody loved winter’! The only time I use the dryer!

I don't tumble dry anything unless it is urgently needed. I don't like fabric softener either.

I find towels are only rough for the first use, but are OK after that.

Tumble dry no question. No fabric conditioner either - yukky smell as well as affects absorbency.

Yep, as others have said, no conditioner, tumble dry. In the summer I line dry, but finish off in the tumble dryer.