Washing towels - conditioner / no conditioner?

[SurreyGuy]

I recall hearing (somewhere) that you should never use fabric conditioner on towels - why?

T.I.A.

[B00]

I think....it may have something to do with that fabric softener takes out the absorbency of the towels, making it take ages to dry yourself.

I could be wrong, but I'm sure I heard/ read that somewhere.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks B00

[porfavour]

Boo is right, it stops them being absorbent. My mum does it all the time, to make them soft, but everytime I go to stay with her I take my own towel. Hers just move the water around your body!

[SurreyGuy]

OK, thanks

[smudge]

I have always used fabric conditioner & our towels are soft & absorbent. Never had a problem getting dry quickly!

[smudge]

BOO is correct - just found these which say you should either limit the use of fabric conditioner, or not use it alll.

As I say I've never had a problem using fabric conditioner on towels, but will give it a try without next time to see what the results are:

http://www.christy-towels.com/Care_Advice/Wash ing_Advice.aspx

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid =20070106124314AAJDRrf

[heathfield]

Debenhams used to display a notice not to use fabric conditioner on towels as it could also lead to 'fibre loss'.
Basically, conditioner puts a plastic coating on the fibres, making them slightly slippery and less absorbent. (Hair conditioner does the same!). This coating also slows the evaporation of the water from the fibre, making it harder to dry. (And, as you've probably noticed, this applies to your hair, too!).

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks folks

[marvinparvin]

Don't use fabric conditioner on anything - do you really want to surround your skin with nasty chemical residues?

[smudge]

You could say that about some washing powders & other things that make contact with your skin on a daily basis. I think it's all down to personal choice really.