The Short Answer
No. Stop using fabric softener on towels entirely.
Why Fabric Softener Damages Towels
Fabric softeners work by coating textile fibres with a thin layer of lubricating chemicals (typically quaternary ammonium compounds). This coating makes fibres slip past each other more easily, which is why clothes feel "softer" and have less static.
The problem: towels need to absorb water. That waxy coating prevents water from reaching the cotton fibres. Each wash with fabric softener adds another layer of residue.
Over time, towels treated with fabric softener:
- Absorb less water
- Feel slick rather than fluffy
- Develop odour more easily (bacteria trapped in residue)
- May become water-repellent in patches
The irony is that fabric softener, used to make towels nicer, actually makes them worse at being towels.
What About Those Towels in Fabric Softener Ads?
Marketing. The freshly-washed towels in advertisements aren't showing you what happens after months of fabric softener buildup. They're showing the immediate sensory experience - fragrance and initial softness - not long-term performance.
Alternatives That Actually Work
White Vinegar
Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar:
- Softens fibres naturally
- Removes detergent residue
- Helps prevent odour
- Costs almost nothing
The smell dissipates as towels dry. You won't smell like a chip shop.
Wool Dryer Balls
Reusable wool balls that tumble with towels in the dryer:
- Physically fluff fibres through agitation
- Reduce drying time
- Last for years
- No chemical residue
Less Detergent
Excess detergent leaves residue that stiffens towels. Use slightly less than recommended and ensure towels rinse thoroughly.
Proper Drying
Tumble drying fluffs towels naturally. If line drying, shake towels vigorously before and after to separate fibres.
Fixing Towels Damaged by Fabric Softener
If you've been using fabric softener for years, your towels have accumulated residue. Reset them:
Quick fix: Hot wash with 1 cup white vinegar, no detergent. Then normal wash with detergent, no softener.
Deep clean: Laundry stripping. Hot water soak with borax, washing soda, and detergent for 4-6 hours. See our stripping guide.
After stripping, towels should absorb like new. Don't add fabric softener back.
What About Dryer Sheets?
Same problem. Dryer sheets are fabric softener in solid form. They coat fibres with the same residue. Don't use them on towels either.
The Exception
If you genuinely don't care about absorbency - decorative guest towels that are never actually used, for example - fabric softener won't hurt. But for any towel that touches water and skin, skip it.
Summary
Stop using fabric softener on towels. Use vinegar or nothing. Your towels will work better and last longer.