What an interesting thread, from long ago with lots of old names. I wonder who's still around? (Not me anymore!). I've wondered about this, accepted that cotton just isn't cotton anymore. I've presumed it's the same way that "100% cotton blue jeans" somehow have stretchy waistbands. Clearly the modern 100% isn't quite what I think of when I think of "100%". So - I've just presumed that all these cottons are processed in some way that affects its absorption and content, even, they just don't have to declare it. But that's just been my speculation, I don't know. Microfiber is not the same. It doesn't absorb the way an old cotton towel does. It could also be the dyes used commercially. If I were to really investigate this, I'd try some "organic" cotton and "organic dyes", to see if this helps. Note that you can buy "shop towels" at Home Despot that are white terry cloth, loose weave, not in any way pretty, but thoroughly absorbant as of days of yore. All these things do matter and there is a big difference between towels I've bought in bundles from Costco (bad absorbers) from some other less boingy towels from who-knows where. So ... I think all these variables matter perhaps?

So many clever ideas, thank you!!! Maybe the best solution for us is having a stack of small towels and just toss them into a bin under the sink, or a rod in the cabinet under the sink to be able to use something a couple times. I do love the idea of a fresh one each time because I am a bit of a germ freak (thanks a lot for all those blacklight reports John Stossel!!!! grrrrrr) Our island is in the great room with no uppers near it, so some of these ideas don't work for us. SJhockeyfan .. interesting you have the telescoping bar and don't use it. Have you ever used it and does it work well, or do the towels remain a little moist as we assume they will. I may consider a stand on the counter at the cleanup sink in the back kitchen. Heck, Clergychick, maybe even a towel pig!!! Love that :) CEFreeman... Oh, maybe it should be a towel cat. So, to explain the house for the cats.. where do I begin. Well, I'm putting screens in all the windows so they can't get out (ok, that is a boring one), and then I'll have two 'kitty rooms' on either side of the long house that are for cat litter. There will be an exhaust fan, a hand sprayer of some sort, and a drain. I have a back kitchen designed (not just for the cats, mind you!) so I can have all the raw food on plates and not have to look at them from the great room. I have almost all the windows going down to the ground so they will have lots of places to look out (again, not just for them!). Drum roll.. the piece de resistance..... the house is around a courtyard where, for the first time since they were rescued as kittens, they'll be able to spend their days lounging around outside. The neighborhood mountain lions and bobcats won't be able to get in, and it's too small for a hawk or eagle to swoop in and pick them up. How was that for a list!!!! Unfortunately the house had been delayed for a few years and they won't have as many years to enjoy it as I had hoped. But their golden years will be great!!!

I specifically bought a range and dishwasher for the open handles to hang towels. I'd rather have towels elsewhere but it is what it is. One cabinet had a towel rack installed inside but that seems idiotic to me, how can they dry in a closed cabinet? The frig is at one end of the kitchen, not walking over with dripping hands, also idiotic. They are changed daily if not more often and while they should be fine since they are used for just a day the dishwasher one is to drain hand washed stuff and the other is for hand drying. Before they go in the laundry basket they dry off the freshly scrubbed counter and sink area. I won't allow towels to hang over chair backs or stay crumpled on the counter but would be fine if another spot was needed for a towel.

J M...just enjoy the thread..it really can be fun...yes always someone that has to be negative....just ignore them....with dark cabinets and the greens and teals in other room it will look very nice to add the cool tones to the kitchen..head out to homegoods if you have one they have a great selection of towels!:) found these on Amazon...4 for $21..I love 100% cotton...do you need a kitchen rug..if so buy that first and add decor and towels to compliment it!:)