[AZLiberty]

Our kitchen towels suck. Several kinds, all seem to nearly repel water.

If you use fabric softener, it could be that. Fabric softener coats the fibers in beef tallow which, as you say repels water.

[sevlex]

Same with dryer sheets.

Don’t use them on towels as they will no longer absorb water.

[TheConservativeParty]

Thanks. I don’t use any fabric softener. I wish Mike L would start making kitchen towels. 🙂