If you don't have access to a dryer but still want to make your towels soft after washing them, there are several methods you can try:
Fabric Softener: Use a liquid fabric softener during the rinse cycle. Fabric softeners help to soften the fibers of the towels and reduce stiffness.
White Vinegar: Add a small amount of white vinegar (about half a cup) to the rinse cycle. The acetic acid in vinegar helps to break down detergent residues, which can contribute to towel stiffness.
Baking Soda: Adding half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle can also help soften the towels by neutralizing any remaining detergent residues.
Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine: Make sure not to overload the washing machine, as this can prevent the towels from agitating properly and getting thoroughly clean and soft.
Use a Gentle Wash Cycle: Opt for a gentle wash cycle to prevent excessive wear and tear on the towel fibers.
Manual Fluffing: After washing, take the towels out of the machine and give them a good shake and fluff them up by hand. This can help restore some softness.
Air Drying: Hang the towels outside to air dry if possible. This can help them retain some softness and freshness. However, keep in mind that air drying might take longer than machine drying.
Tumble Drying Alternative: If you don't have a dryer but have access to a laundromat, consider using a commercial tumble dryer there. Some laundromats also offer fabric softeners that you can add during the drying process.
It's worth noting that without a dryer, achieving the same level of softness as machine-dried towels might be challenging. Towels tend to be softer when machine-dried because the tumbling action in the dryer helps fluff up the fibers. However, the above methods can still help improve the softness of air-dried towels.