The Gross Reality of How Often You Should Be Washing Your Towels

bath towels© Trixia Carla Guarin-Concepcions Images / Canva

How often do you think you should be washing your towels? If you’re like most people, you probably think that once a week is sufficient. However, according to the experts, that’s not nearly often enough! In this article, we will discuss the gross reality of how often you should be washing your towels. Believe it or not, damp towels are the perfect breeding ground for unwanted germs – and if you’re not careful, they could make you sick! So make sure to read our tips on how to keep your towel collection clean and healthy.

How often should you wash towels?

One of the best ways to prevent germs from growing on your bath towel is to make sure it is always clean. The Cleaning Institute recommends that towels be hung up to dry between uses and washed after 3 to 5 normal uses. This will help to keep them free of bacteria and other microbes that can cause illness. In addition, it is important to allow them to dry completely before using them again. This will further reduce the chances of bacteria growth. Finally, remember to washcloths that you use in the shower after each use. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your bath towels fresh and free of harmful germs.

Factors that mean you need to wash more often

Ideally, bath towels should be washed after every three to five uses. However, there are some circumstances that may call for washing them more frequently.

  • Any towel that has body fluids on it, such as blood or urine, should be washed right away.
  • Gym towels that absorb sweat or stay wet for hours in your gym bag should also be washed more often.
  • If you keep your towels in a bathroom that is usually damp, they might get mildew on them. You should wash them more often to avoid this.
  • If you have eczema or sensitive skin, you may also need to wash your towels more frequently to avoid irritation.
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In general, it’s best to err on the side of caution and wash your towels after every two or three uses.

How to wash towels the right way

To keep towels clean:

  • After you use a towel, it’s important to hang it up to dry. Doing this will helps prevent towels from getting mildewy or developing a musty smell. Plus, it’ll make them last longer overall. So next time you’re done with your towel, take an extra minute to hang it up. This small step can really make a world of difference.
  • When you’re done with your shower, don’t toss your wet towel in the hamper right away. Instead, hang it up on the shower rod to let it air dry. This will help reduce towel smells and make your hamper last longer.
  • Surprisingly, bleach is not necessary to kill germs on towels. In fact, studies have shown that other methods, such as simply washing the towels in hot water, are just as effective.
  • To get the most efficiency out of your laundry detergent, follow the product instructions. This will ensure that you are using the product correctly and getting the desired result.
  • To clean your towels more effectively, consider using a laundry booster or adding vinegar to the rinse cycle. Adding vinegar to the rinse cycle can also help remove any lingering dirt or soap residue.
  • It is important to read the manual to determine how often your washing machine needs sanitizing. By sanitizing your washing machine on a regular basis, you can extend its lifespan and ensure that it continues to provide optimal results.
  • Don’t overload your washing machine with towels. This can lead to issues such as decreased efficiency and even breakage. experiment with different load sizes to see what works best for your machine.
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How often should you replace your towels?

Depending on the quality of your towel and how you care for it, you may need to replace it more or less often. Cheap towels, for instance, may wear out faster than more expensive ones. In addition, using very hot water to wash your towels can also start to break down the fibers more quickly. Always read the bath towel’s product tag and follow the washing instructions in order to prolong its life. With good care, a bath towel should last a long time.

Takeaway

We hope this article has helped to clear up any misconceptions about towel hygiene and shown you that it is perfectly safe to reuse your bath towels a few times before washing them. Regardless, remember to always hang your towels up after use so they can dry completely, and be sure to share this information with your friends and family on social media!

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This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.