I have recently purchased a front loader I am concerned that it is causing my soft towels to become tufted hard. I have now changed wash powder to omo matic as told by the manufacturer I still use a little conditioner as before. I have not had this problem with my top loader using several other powders.
IF you're using a softner in your wash stop. It cover the pours and makes towels hard, rewash your towels in vinigar and use no softner, it will work
you need lower temperature and more conditioner
I got a front loader and put one and one half capfuls of liquid softener in the appropriate compartment( which isn't much) and then I use one half (or reuse) a fabric softener sheet in the dryer. Now my towels come out great. Otherwise I had to use more liquid than the manufacturer called for.
i put my towls in a dryer that way they are always soft...
