Laundry is stiff or hard after washing in washing machine

Issue

If clothes feel stiff after washing, if towels are hard after laundering, or if fabrics are not as soft as expected at the end of the wash cycle, the issue is often caused by incorrect detergent dosing, overloading the washing machine, or the way the fabrics are dried.

Typical signs:

• Clothes feel stiff after washing
• Towels feel hard and rough to the touch
• Fabrics seem less soft than usual
• Detergent residue may be noticeable on the laundry
• Washing results are poorer even though the washing machine is operating normally
• The issue occurs particularly with towels, jeans, and thick fabrics

Applies to

• washing machines
• washer dryers

Resolution

1. The most likely cause of fabric feeling rigid or stiff is adding the wrong amount of detergent. Follow the instructions below for best washing results:

• If too little detergent is used, there may be insufficient active ingredients to combat the hardness of the water, which in turn can affect the softness of the fibres. This may also result in generally poor washing results.
• Using too much detergent can result in concentrated detergent being left on the fibres, making them feel coarse.
• Make sure that the washing machine is not overloaded – especially with heavy cotton garments such as jeans or towels which absorb a lot of water.
• Tumble-drying items such as towels can also help, as this process separates the fibres, making them feel softer

2. Select a programme/option (spin, temperature) according to the type of load and the degree of dirtiness of your garments.

• For example, Quick wash program for very dirty and stained items will not wash properly.
• Use a pre-wash cycle if needed. The pre-wash cycle must be run without any detergent.
• Make sure you use the right amount of detergent. Use the amount recommended by the detergent manufacturer.
• Refer to your user manual for the best washing solutions.