You pull out your laundry, expecting that soft, fresh, just-washed feel.
But instead… your clothes feel stiff. Rough. Like they’ve been scrubbed with sandpaper instead of cleaned with care.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone; it’s a common laundry issue. And no, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It simply means something in your current laundry routine might need a second look.
In this blog, we’ll break down the possible causes behind rough clothes and what small switches (including the type of liquid detergent you use) can actually help bring the softness back.
1. It Could Be Your Water
If you live in a hard water area, those extra minerals can build up on your clothes.
The result? Stiff, uncomfortable fabrics, especially on towels and innerwear.
Hard water reduces the effectiveness of your washing liquid and makes it harder for your liquid detergent to rinse clean. That buildup? It’s why your cotton tee doesn’t feel soft anymore.
2. Your Detergent Might Be Overdoing It
More doesn’t always mean better.
Adding extra washing liquid for clothes, thinking it’ll clean better, might actually do the opposite, leaving residue that makes fabric feel rough.
A gentle, plant-based option cleans just as well without all the extra foaming and residue. Try using the recommended amount and avoid overloading the machine.
3. Hidden Chemicals = Hidden Damage
Many traditional laundry products come packed with strong agents that may weaken fabric fibres and fade colours over time, especially on delicate materials.
Environ’s plant-based liquid detergent and fabric softner gently cleans without harsh chemicals. Your clothes stay soft, colours stay vibrant and your skin stays safe.
Want a softer wash that feels better on skin and the planet?
Try Environ's plant-based laundry care!
4. Skipping the Right Fabric Conditioner
Think of fabric conditioner like skincare for your clothes. Without it, they dry out, wrinkle faster and feel scratchy.
- Using a laundry conditioner can help:
- Restore softness
- Reduce friction
- Add that cozy, lived-in feel
Environ’s fabric conditioner is free from harsh coating agents and does the job gently.
5. High Heat Is Not Always Helpful
Love washing with hot water or using high heat in the dryer? Unfortunately, that can break down the fibres in your clothes.
You’re left with stiff, prematurely aged fabric.
Use cold or lukewarm water and air dry where possible.
Then finish with a fabric softner for that perfect finish.
6. Too Much Sun Isn’t Great Either
Sun-drying is eco-friendly, but too much direct sunlight can over-dry clothes.
They feel crisp but not in a good way.
Try drying in shaded areas or indoors when possible. And don’t skip that fabric conditioner step; it really helps seal in softness.
7. When Was the Last Time You Cleaned Your Clothes… Properly?
Sometimes the problem isn’t the wash; it's the build-up of oils, sweat, or detergent that’s been there for weeks.
Staying consistent with your laundry routine and using a clean-rinsing liquid detergent helps.
And adding a laundry conditioner will go a long way in restoring softness.
8. Environ: A Gentle Way to Softer Laundry
At Environ, we believe softness shouldn't come at the cost of skin health or environmental harm.
That’s why our plant-based range of washing liquid, fabric softner and fabric conditioner is free from harmful additives and full of goodness.
What makes it different?
- Zero harsh residue
- Gentle on clothes and skin
- Kids and pet-friendly
- Biodegradable and non-toxic
Feel the difference with every wash.
Explore Environ’s plant-based laundry range today!
Conclusion
If your clothes are coming out stiff or uncomfortable, the problem might be in your products.
Between hard water, chemical-laden detergents and missing that last softening step, there’s a lot that could go wrong.
But the fix is simple:
Switch to a gentle washing liquid and don’t forget your fabric conditioner. And if you want to go even softer, safer and smarter, you know where to look.
Because at Environ, laundry isn’t just about cleaning. It’s about comfort.
