But it is always a good idea to launder new clothes, sheets, towels, etc. before using them because thay often have chemicals on them from dyes, sizing, starch, etc.

too right mate. Towels have fabric softener in them to make you think they are cuddly and nice. The fabric softener is a lubricant to make the fibres glide over each other, and hence feel soft. Those fibres can't hold as much water because they are full already.

Personally, for the same reason, I buy cheap detergents because they are usually the ones without the softeners, but they are a vanishing breed.

I tried to suggest a "softener as fashion" item to a Radio presenter (of Women's Programmes) and she knew all about it but replied "But I prefer my towels.....". I don't think the irony of the word "prefer" even suggested itself to her.

Ask a woman who has been burgled and how much washing of smalls she does before wearing pants that have been handled by a "low life". Even if his hands were ostensibly cleanish and he barely touched them!