Sunday, July 11, 2010

Does being green mean itchy rough towels?

Ah, now that's a question for the masses!   I've been trying to take advantage of the summer weather and my clothesline all at the same time.   Washing everything in cold water and hanging it to dry is sure to help me in my pursuit of 'greenness', right? 

But this leaves me with one question.  If I'm not using fabric softener (can't as my son's eczema is too bad) then how do I get nice soft towels?  Am I doomed to itchy scratchiness every morning?  Will my houseguests be rubbed raw?   Enquiring minds want to know!

I have heard adding vinegar as a softener works, but I've not tried it  yet.  I'm hoping to remember with the next load of towels. 

Here's where you come in... If you have an idea of something to help, let me know.  I'm game to try it if i can.

4 comments:

NeeCee said...

I do use vinegar, but alas, it doesn't help getting soft towels. My grandmother swears that ironing towels when you get them off the line softens them, but I haven't done that, so I don't know if it works or not. I would rather use rough towels than iron. :0)

Tammy said...

Yes, vinegar in your rinse water does work to soften your towels. It also helps rid the towels of any excess soap. I use it a lot - don't measure just pour it in, so I might use more than necessary, but we have really hard water, and it helps rid the washer of hard water deposits, too.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Karin said...

Why are you washing your clothes in cold water, can't you boil a kettle?

My Granny also ironed her towels to make them soft, but I find letting them blow on the line in the sunshine leaves them pretty soft. If you have thin towels with a small pile I doubt you'll ever get them very soft. They need to be fairly fluffy in the first place, I should think.