How to Keep Towels Soft When Line Drying

We are back in the laundry lab and the task for today is softer line dried towels. So, if you want to know how to keep towels soft when line drying, watch the video.
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[@homemakingwithdenise]

Hi Homemakers, I hope you enjoyed this video on how. to keep towels soft when line drying. Click on this link to see the video where we did the towel stripping and the viewer said my method didn't work. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX2QqH5qaaeJhJI. It does work. We are just dealing with two different subjects.

[@patwagner9308]

Listen to her, she knows what she's talking about. Most people use way too much detergent,then they use fabric softener or dryer sheets. All of the above leaves a residue....the fabric softener, from very first use, cuts towel absorbancy by 80%. I'm 75. I don't even own a dryer. I hang towels to dry year 'round. There's one other thing that helps soften laundry dried on a clothesline : a good breeze. Not a stiff wind! Just a nice breeze. I've noticed it makes quite a difference in softness. My husband actually prefers towels line-dried ! It's so pleasant to be outside on a pretty day, hanging laundry, birds might be singing.....I love it. I used to have a dryer....but I had a gas one. Why ? Because they cost a LOT less to operate than an electric one. One more thing....love your aprons !

[@FletcherRSmith]

I used to never line dry towels due to having hard water leaving mineral deposits which always make towels hard, crusty and scratchy. We recently got a whole house water softener and I've noticed that I can line dry towels and they will feel just as soft as if they had tumbled in the dryer. Not having that hard water mineral buildup really makes a difference. A little off topic but I just wanted to share that with you and your viewers 🙂

[@Katch.22]

Just as soft? I doubt that

[@MrDaiseymay]

WISH i COULD AFFORD THAT SOFTENING SYSTEM. OUR WATER'S SO HARD. I HAVE TO BREAK THE SURFACE WITH HAMMER.

[@kyledrevlo1962]

Thank you, Denise! We own an eco conscious agritourism hotel and we line dry but my wife is so disappointed in the towel feel. I’ll give this a shot. We have front loading machines so idk about adding vinegar mid cycle. Thanks for your channel✊🏻

[@estherh.1508]

I actually like the crunchy towels...rubs off dead skin..lol there is nothing like the smell of line dried anything!

[@susans9491]

Unless you live in dairy country and they’re spreading manure…that smell I can do without!

[@phyllissweetpea4926]

Especially sheets

[@0110rroberts]

I had a feeling it was going to be the vinegar... my sister always tosses them in the dryer for a few minutes before hanging them I've known about the vinegar for a while because I can always tell just in the regular dryer when I've used vinegar to get the musty smell out of towels they are extra soft as compared to just with the softener alone. I always use vinegar for everything lol i try to keep two gallons in the pantry.

[@michelecherneski1028]

I just subscribed to you today. Women who are beautiful hang the laundry. ❤️ My grandma used to do this and she also cooked better than anyone I know. Thank you for helping me remember. My dryer is not working and this video really helped. May God bless you for your sweetness!

[@ruthdallas6125]

Hi Denice, thanks for your advise. Also it is so important to mention that using your dryer less saves a lot of money and is good for the planet and the life of your towels. By the way have you tried the sheet detergent? It works just as well as liquid detergent and you save the planet from all that plastic.

[@kay032366]

This is great. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. My towel are so stiff that they can stand up. I am definitely going to try this.

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

Did it work for you? Same here re stiff towels. But not all of them. I think it depends on the make. I have one towel that stays soft. I only use ivy washing liquid which I make myself. 🦋🐝

[@amymorales4622]

Thank you so much for this! If there is one thing we have a lot of here in Arizona, it's sunshine, and I love being able to use that nice sunshine to dry our laundry. I wanted to have that same line-dried fresh scent for my towels that I have for my sheets, but they turned out like boards. I look forward to doing your method the next time I launder towels.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Hi Amy, please do give it a try. Your line dried towels will be softer but keep in mind they won’t feel like they do when they come out of the dryer, let me know how it works.

[@brittanymcdonaldbarr1106]

Thank you for your videos. I’m 37 and I’ve learned many things from you over the past couple of years. Thank you for teaching.

[@KiwiGran1]

I put my towels in the dryer on cold setting for a couple of minutes before I hang them on the line and that helps. And I always put them in the dryer again on cold setting for a few minutes before I fold them up.

[@suzie2080]

Love hanging out my laundry. Great tips Denise. It's nice to hang them out on a breezy day, then they are soft.

[@LoveIsTheMainKey]

Oh my goodness. I remember looking at your video on softer towels and my towels has been fluffy every since. This video is great so now I can line dry to and save on my bill and the environment. Thank you for this video.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

You are quite welcome. Just keep in mind the clothing will not feel like it does when it comes out of the dryer. There is a difference but not bad.

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

Thank you for taking the time to let us know it works for you. Wonderful. So excited to see if I can get the same result. It rains all the time here in Wales (UK) so I will have to dry them on a airer. 😊👍

[@sylviaacosta7883]

Yessss nothing like line drying clothes and towels in the summer!!!!

[@homemakingwithdenise]

I know. Love the fresh smell. Do you do anything special?

[@crterwil]

I love line dried laundry. Great video. Thank you!!

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Hey Chris, it’s always good to see you. I agree…line dried clothing are the best except when the pollen count is up. What are your laundry challenges?

[@BackyardBertha]

Thank you for publishing this information about Closeline towel drying softing ideas! Excellent production! You rock!

[@millefolium9303]

Thank you for explaining this so well! We always had stiff towels and i wondered why. Im exited to go start the laundry now, hope this works!❤😊

[@KnitsHooksandNeedle]

Thank you! I live in an apartment. While we aren't allowed to hang them outside, I do have a space for them to hang near a window. And I have to hand wash bc it's a hassle having to get to my bank for quarters and many of the other places have stopped handing out quarters since 2020. I still have to machine wash an dry bigger items but I figured I'll just do everything by hand. My mom says it sounds, "So 1800s." Lol interestingly My dad's side of the family has a soap recipe but it's meant for those huge outdoor wash tubs. Like the huge ones that come up to the waist. Maybe someday I'll have a small home for one. I think it would be interesting to do it like my ancestors. Luckily I do have a clothes wringer and a wonderwash that I soak stuff in and a washboard. And an iron. Lol Doing it like I do now is a whole setup. Thanks for the video. New subscriber now.

[@gianellacerriteno9301]

Love yr personality and how gentle you are to yr fans and how you explain step by step! Lots of love! Thank you!!

[@denise76]

Great tips! I imagine that the baking soda also helps in keeping the laundry even fresher.

[@ismaygale]

Thank goodness, no more scratchy torture towels after using your tips 🙏

[@amandarivera9747]

I enjoyed watching this video 👏💐!

[@adamwitbeck4974]

Thank you! I loved this! Absolutely amazing

[@cdavenport]

Thanks for taking the time to share your wisdom.

[@hobocamp1072]

THank you for sharing this! I just found your channel and am so excited to learn from you! Many thanks!

[@sonjagatto9981]

Very well done Denise. Hi from Canada❣

[@hermesgeko]

I like you. First video i have seen but I love your delivery. Thank you.

[@meleakua]

That was really helpful. Thanks for showing us what's what! ✨🙏🏼✨

[@JadeAngelina]

your backyard is beautiful!

[@donnawiseman9311]

I am not able now to hang my clothes outside and I really miss it. Especially the sheets! They smell so good!

[@TruthsHandmaid4444]

Ooooo I just found and LOVE ❤️ your channel!!! Thanks so much for what you do, and I’ve definitely subscribed!!!

[@joannafoster3423]

I just use the dryer now, but this reminds me of my childhood in the country.

[@sharonlatour6230]

Thanks Ms. Denise!

[@homemakingwithdenise]

You are welcome. What are your laundry challenges?

[@rachaelphillips1725]

OMG you are so pleasant. Can you come over and give me housekeeping tips? Lol

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Hahaha! If only…. However, I can work with you in my homemakers mentoring program. It’s eight weeks of mentoring. You can find more info about it on my Apron Diva website. Www.aprondiva.com. Look to the menu bar at the top and click Homemaking 201 and get all the details. I’m only taking 10 in the program so if you’re interested, check it out.

[@phyllissweetpea4926]

Trying this next time I do towels. I hang everything but towels. Don’t use fabric softener.

[@michelletackett9489]

Your videos are so helpful and relaxing.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Hi Michelle, thank you. That’s the whole idea. What are your laundry challenges?

[@michelletackett9489]

@@homemakingwithdenise Always trying to keep up with all the socks.

[@authenticallyamber99]

Great information. 😃 I don’t hang clothes to dry outside but I hung my fair share as a kid. 😎. It is a good way to save money!

[@karincrane3220]

Thank for this video. I’ve have birds nesting in my dryer vent, so I’m line drying until the babies are done. Towels were the only complaint. I use vinegar instead of fabric softener but did not know about baking soda. I’ll try this immediately.

[@EbonyIvyThymewithLeona]

My mom hung her laundry every week. She swore by the value of sunshine. I'm a dryer girl myself but I can appreciate the method.

[@V.Hansen.]

Yay. Going to try this. I put my washable small pet fleece bedding out in the sun the other day after washing and it smelled so fresh I decided to put up a line. My first towels were not fluffy, but my normally smelly work clothes smelled wonderful.

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

I've just read someone tried this and it works.👍 So thank you so much for making this video. I'm hoping I can get the same result as I have to dry on an airer indoors. It rains too much here in Wales (UK) during Autumn and Winter. Your aprons are gorgeous by the way. 😊👍

[@eileenjordan6738]

I put them in the dryer while I put the next load in the washer and then take the towels out to the line 😊

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Hi Eileen, hmmm. I can see this. Get that fluff going on before they go on the line. I’ll give that a try. What are your laundry challenges?

[@BigMomma760]

In case anyone is like me and using a portable washing machine and not a full size one I did some math to convert the baking soda and vinegar: a full size washing machine uses anywhere from 12-20 gallons of water per fill and a portable washing machine is about 6-7 gallons per fill. So if you have a portable washing machine I would cut the baking soda to 1/4 cup and the vinegar to 1/4 cup. I haven't tested this yet but I will since I just purchased the portable and will be line drying all my clothes for the next couple years, I can update after I have tried this.

[@ferretocious]

Love these tips but OMG I LOVE your voice even more. I could listen to you all day! It's so soft and soothing. I'm here because my dryer kept blowing the breaker. Landlord decided to just replace it since it was old. Brand new dryer, blew the breaker 10 minutes after it started :( Now waiting for her to get an electrician out so bought a rectractable clothes line and put it up out back. Hate my cardboard towels!

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Yes…towels are tricky with no electric dryer but they are better with vinegar as your fabric softener and giving them a good snap. What other laundry challenges do you have?

[@lindabarrette]

I will give this a try.....we love lined dried towels.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Please do and let me know what you think. Do you put many things on the line?

[@lindabarrette]

@@homemakingwithdenise I put most of our laundry on the line. Some personal garments go on a wooden indoor drying rack. I tried your method and it worked very well! I am so pleased with the results. 🙂

[@tiffanyfett1159]

We switched to all white towels and they are so easy to bleach bright and white and guests always know your towels are clean. An interior designer once recommended going all white and I've really enjoyed it since. Keeps things easy and looking consistent. Cant go wrong with the basics. Recommend switching!

[@amymorales4622]

I switched to all white towels and sheets a number of years ago, too. Not only can I tell whether something is really clean, I can easily replace worn out washcloths and pillow cases without having to worry about whether they match. Anything to make life simpler!

[@homemakingwithdenise]

I know. So many people have switched to all white but I just can’t. I’ve worked in health care for so long and we always had white linens. It seems so clinical. Years ago, I wouldn’t have a white sheet or towel in my house. It’s quirky, I know. I’m better about this now. What are your laundry challenges?

[@tiffanyfett1159]

@@homemakingwithdenise laundry challenges are getting it put away! All of my mom friends struggle here also. Doing the laundry is fine, drying is fine but getting it all upstairs and put away....ugh. it sits too long and gets wrinkled. Need an easier quicker less daunting routine

[@amymorales4622]

@@homemakingwithdenise I hear you on that. I used to work in health care, and it made me dislike pale green walls. Every time I go into a room with walls painted that color of green, I expect to find a patient. I was glad when hospitals switched to other colors. I think I don't feel that way about white sheets and towels because I buy those with a nicer texture for home than you would find in a hospital. My biggest laundry challenges have to do with stains. My grandchildren manage to stain everything from their clothes to the curtains. I am about to ban ketchup and grape jelly forever.

[@kathalinehansen7078]

i use Arm and Hammer FREE detergent because of the baking soda. I have been using vinegar many years too.

[@lizharley5723]

I did as you said, used less detergent and substituted vinegar for fabric softener, dried 2 white towels and 2 sheets outside and they were not soft when they were dry. I didn't add baking soda as you suggested but will try that next time.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Keep in mind that line dried items will not feel as soft as those that are placed in a clothes dryer. They just won't. Treating them with vinegar and baking soda can make them softer but they won't feel "soft" like you may be thinking. There is a difference.

[@Truth1561]

Ive never us dva tumbke dryer regularly, onky in an ebergejcy sich as school unifirm ( theyve bever bern as commonky used here in the UK). I matne use my TD 3 tomes a year now- mainkt to home dey clean. The environmebtal dabage of using timbme dryers on evetu liad is tpo high a cost to the planet imo. I never fnd my kibe dried towels to be hard and scratchy but they do have a texture tgat ny whole famiky enjiys against the skin. You have a beautiful home,btw.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Thank you. I am so glad you stopped by. Line dried towels will have a certain amount of texture and you get used to whatever is the norm for you. They will not feel like tumble-dried towels but that's okay. I value your thoughts on dryers and the environment. It's so common here to use a dryer. People rarely hang clothes on the line. School uniforms...yes. Dryers may be necessary to help reduce wrinkling.

[@kathyressler4764]

Thank you for information. Going to do all the steps with my next load of towels. Also like another viewer we have all white towels, hand towels and washclothes. Can bleach if needed along with no problem replacing worn out items. We line dry all our clothes, weather permitting.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

You know, I thought about all white towels but it’s hard. After working in hospitals for years and all we had was white linens…it just seems to clinical. They do look pretty in the linen closet, though. Do you do anything special for your line dried clothing?

[@debidee5548]

Our dryer just broke and my husband doesn't like the hard towels and hard jeans so I'm trying the baking soda method. I've always used vinegar, so hopefully adding the baking soda will do the trick because I don't want to buy another dryer.

[@scarletweaver171]

Thank you. I’m going to try this. Our dryer recently broke and line drying the towels makes them hard and scratchy.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Just keep in mind that the towels will not be as soft as when dried in the dryer. They will be somewhat stiffer but better if you follow this practice.

[@scarletweaver171]

@@homemakingwithdeniseUpdate: I did remember you saying they won’t be as soft as in the dryer but now they aren’t as stiff and scratchy as sandpaper. It worked! Thank you so much! You have earned yourself a new subscriber.

[@cindynielson4231]

This is exactly how I was taught as a kid. TFS

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Hi Cindy, nice to have you stop by. It funny but that how we did our towels when I was a kid. We hung most things out on the line. I do love the fresh smell of line dried clothing. Don’t you?

[@tiffanyfett1159]

Can you do a car clean/organization video

[@wendythomas4930]

😊

[@BeccaBearSc]

My washer is a little portable so its hard to wring out the water. (I wanna get a laundry wringer) and I have to line dry becuase I dont have a drier.. any tips

[@noushinquazi7819]

I see conflicting information online about the frequency of using this method without damaging the material. If I wash my egyptian cotton towels on a weekly basis, is the vinegar + baking soda combo suitable for that frequency?

[@rachaelphillips1725]

Do you wash your towels in hot or warm water?

[@kathalinehansen7078]

It is still 1/2 cup with HE machines without much water?

[@McGregorGirl]

Thank you for the wonderful information. I plan to start line drying once we have a house of our own we can put a line up in a few months. My only concern is I live in a very humid climate ( Mississippi ). Any suggestions on if there are any differences in how to go about it?

[@homemakingwithdenise]

I don’t think it will be different but you let me know. Is it dryer at different times of the day? I’m just not sure when you day you are so humid.

[@weepingwillow227]

I also live in Mississippi and have no issues line drying, except it maybe taking a little longer than it would in non-humid climates. I usually put them out in the morning and bring them in later in the evening and they're always dry.

[@McGregorGirl]

@@weepingwillow227 Thank you!

[@maurabradley6484]

How to add the baking powder to front loading washing machine?

[@MichelleHotchkissArt]

I have a box of washing soda, can that be used instead of baking soda? My understanding is it’s just heated baking soda. If so, any idea how much to use? I just ordered an umbrella style clothesline! I’m in Alaska so it will take a couple of weeks for it to get to arrive. I also ordered a rolling cart so I don’t have to carry heavy loads out to the line. 👍🏻 Thank you for the video!

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Hi Michelle, washing soda is in essence laundry detergent. There’s been a few actions taken upon it to make it washing soda so the chemical makeup has changed a bit. It’s no longer the same as baking powder. Change the chemical makeup, alter some of the properties. Use your washing soda as laundry detergent. Add the baking soda to help with softening. You should enjoy that clothes line. I like being able to hang clothes out. I like the freshness that comes with line-dried clothes.

[@northernlight4evah]

I tried the vinegar in the rinse, but the towels were stiff. I'll try baking soda next time. And the shaking too. Thanks.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Good morning…here’s something to keep in mind. The towels will NOT feel like towels dried in a dryer. They will feel a bit stiffer but not as stiff as if one didn’t put the vinegar or baking soda in the wash. The vinegar and or soda makes a difference.

[@northernlight4evah]

@@homemakingwithdenise I'm trying to save electricity. I will try all the hints in your video. Thank you very much.

[@floridagirlr6648]

Unpopular opinion - I like the “crunchy” line dried towels - they dry better …

[@lauratrowell5342]

would this also work when I dry my clothes inside the house in the winter months

[@homemakingwithdenise]

I soften my towels with vinegar year round but through them in the dryer. If you are hanging them on a drying rack you won’t get the effect of the wind blowing and ruffling the nap. Giving the towels a good snap may help. Just keep in mind they will NOT feel like towels placed in a clothes dryer.

[@rebeccamesa7399]

Will this work if you line dried all clothes; thinking of trying to use less electricity.

[@homemakingwithdenise]

I should think so. The baking soda is a natural softener. Just keep in mind there will be a difference in how the clothing feels. Some adjustment will be needed.

[@marymurray8236]

I always put mine in dryer for 10 mins in case there are some critters present !

[@tiffanyfett1159]

Then you have a baked critter in your dryer

[@homemakingwithdenise]

That’ll give a little fluff.

[@vnickcolvin4971]

What does Borax do? Is it a substitute for baking soda?

[@tiffanyfett1159]

I was wondering what the borax was for, never knew what to use that for

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Borax is a laundry booster. It supports or boosts the cleaning power of your detergent. It helps with whitening, brightening, stain removal, and helps fight odors. I didn’t use Borax in this load but when I cleaning the flour sack towels Hubby has been using when processing his fish…definitely Borax goes in the wash. What are your laundry challenges?

[@alive1419]

The vinegar doesn't make them smell funny ?

[@helenmak5663]

How long does it take for towels to line dry under the sun?

[@liliumjade]

Depends on the condition outside...temperature, humidity, how much sun, ect.

[@FinnickH]

Where I live they dry in 10-30 min because it's extremely hot and sunny. In winter about 1 hour.

[@bmjesus08]

I thought vinegar makes your clothes stink?

[@V.Hansen.]

Vinegar has a strong smell but rinses clean away.

[@madysenyates6419]

No! If anything it makes them smell better because it helps kill off bacteria/bad smells (: and the scent of the vinegar washes completely away

[@shiflett82]

This video makes me want to go hang up clothes to dry! I hang dry clothes indoors to keep them looking bright and new. I would forget to bring them in before it rained if I hung them outside! My fantasy self hang dries towels though!!!