Towels not absorbing

[mandieg4]

Ever since I switched the soap in my homemade laundry detergent from Ivory to Fels Naptha my laundry smells better and seems cleaner, but my dish towels aren't absorbent any more. They just kinda push the water around instead of soaking it up. Is it just a coincidence or what is going on?

 

[buckeye lady]

Are you using vinegar in the rinse? This helps get out any excess soap and softens fabrics.

 

[mandieg4]

I was, but not here lately. Thanks, I'll try that.

 

[justusnak]

Are you useing Fabric softener on your towels? This will also leave a buildup on your towels to make them not so absorbent.

 

[mandieg4]

Nope, no fabric softener.

For my detergent I use 1-2T of this recipe:

1 bar Fels Naptha grated
1 c washing soda
1 c borax

For a fabric softener I was using about 1/4 cup of this recipe:

1 c baking soda
6 c vinegar
8 c water

I used the last of the bottle a couple weeks ago and just haven't gotten around to making more. I think I'll run the towels through a hot water rinse with vinegar a couple times. Maybe that will get rid of the buildup?

 

[noobiechickenlady]

A tip I got from an older lady is to boil them occasionally. I'm having the same problem with my older towels and I will be trying this soon. It is supposed to also get rid of the lingering odors kitchen towels sometimes get.

 

[gettinaclue]

How would a person go about boiling their towels?

 

[noobiechickenlady]

Mr. Campbell said to just bring a big pot of water to boil on the stove & drop the towels in. Let them boil for a few minutes, fish them out & wash as normal.

Modern version of the outdoor caldron & fire, I suppose

 

[FarmerDenise]

Mr. Campbell said to just bring a big pot of water to boil on the stove & drop the towels in. Let them boil for a few minutes, fish them out & wash as normal.

Modern version of the outdoor caldron & fire, I suppose

So that's why mom boiled her kitchen towels, I thought it was to disinfect them.

 

[miss_thenorth]

According to how I make the dry, I would say that your rtios ore off, and that might be casusing the problem (IDK, just throwing it out there) this is the recipe I use, and have no problems.

Washing Powder
2 cups borax
2 cups washing soda
1 cup colour safe bleach-optional
1 bar laundry soap.