Should I switch to fabric softener alternatives that actually soften towels?

[NoahNG]

I’ve been trying to switch to a more sustainable laundry routine, but I’m stuck on fabric softener. I stopped using the conventional bottles and tried wool dryer balls, but my towels still come out stiff and scratchy. Has anyone found a truly effective alternative that actually works for softening without all the chemicals and plastic waste?

[OliverM]

Yeah I dumped the bottles too. I started doing a rinse with white vinegar in the final cycle and kept using the wool dryer balls. It helped a little, towels felt softer when they came out, but not that plush softness people expect from a softener. Not a home run, but it’s something.

[Edward.R]

I swapped to thicker 100% cotton towels and quit the dryer sheets entirely. I air dry most towels on a rack and only finish in the dryer for a few minutes with the balls if I want a fluff boost. Slower, but no chemicals, and the towels stay soft longer.

[Larry8]

Maybe the real blocker isn’t the softener at all. Could be the wash settings or mineral build up. I did a few soft-water tests and adjusted a long rinse, but it’s still not perfect. Is the real issue the towels or the dryer heat?

[Nora_T]

I tried a tiny amount of neutral conditioner in the rinse once, just to test. It made the towel feel nicer for that load, then stiffness came back after a couple of uses. It’s not a reliable fix for me.