Am I washing my microfiber towels wrong way?

[xirurg]

Help needed guys- my microfiber towels turn out very "stiff" and definitely not as plushy after I wash and dry them.

Here is what I have tried

1) quick washing in 86,104 and 140 degrees-same results
2) chemical guys and wolfgang cleaner- same results
3) I hang them to dry as I do not have a dryer

Could stiffness come from air drying?

[feslope]

I see 2 first things to try. Make sure you are not using more detergent than necessary, these detergents tend to be pretty concentrated. Two, is related to one, make sure you are adequately rinsing the detergent out. If you can add an extra rinse or, run them a second cycle without detergent.

I have always used a dryer but, many here also air dry with satisfactory results.

I have a few other ideas if needed.

[Setec Astronomy]

How hard is your water?

[pheerix]

Bet it's hard water.

[briarpatch]

My microfiber towels are definitely softer after I (fluff) dry them in the dryer, as opposed to hanging them up to dry.

[Just02896]

I've never air dried my MF towels so I cannot comment on it being a factor. I can tell you that I wash mine on warm and always use vinegar as a rinsing / softening agent as well as a second rinse cycle. Then I dry them on sensor dry on low/medium heat and they always come out clean and fluffy.

[brettS4]

Air drying towels will definitely make a difference in how soft they turn out.

Adding a dash of white vinegar, as Just2896 mentioned, will do a great job with odors (very helpful for workout clothes!). But I don't think it has much impact on softness.

[xirurg]

How hard is your water?

Bet it's hard water.

Interesting though. I will test today.

A little bit off topic: I thought I had hard water issue at my summerhouse, because all my cars had water spots, but I tested the water and it wasnt hard at all

[GSKR]

Help needed guys- my microfiber towels turn out very "stiff" and definitely not as plushy after I wash and dry them.

Here is what I have tried

1) quick washing in 86,104 and 140 degrees-same results
2) chemical guys and wolfgang cleaner- same results
3) I hang them to dry as I do not have a dryer

Could stiffness come from air drying?

Yes need dryer.

[chefwong]

My microfiber towels are definitely softer after I (fluff) dry them in the dryer, as opposed to hanging them up to dry.

All the posters advising air drying are correct.
Take 2 like towels . One air dry, one done in a dryer.
The one that comes out of the dryer is considerably softer and ~fluffier~ than the latter !