Why do towels that were completely soaked get crispy when they dry, when towels that were only damp don’t?
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When it’s soaked all of the fibers of the towel stick together due to how water molecules work.
When the towel dries, those fibers that were stuck together due to the water remain tangled up and matted.
I believe it might be similar to how metal quenching works – when the towel dries quickly, the fibers remain tangled together. When it dries slowly, or you handle it while wet, the fibers untangle. But I’m not sure if anybody seriously studied this.
note that fabric softeners actually inhibit the drying capability of a towel. Crispiness is good.
I think it’s more likely due to oils getting ‘washed’ out of the towels (even just water acts as a surfactant, but its not great on oils) . Oils will soften them. Just a damp towel will leave most of the oils behind.
Ever notice how tea/hand-towels don’t get ‘crispy’/starchy again even when fully dry after you’ve been wiping your hands on them? – all the oils on your hands transfer and keep the towel soft.
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