We all know that it’s important to take frequent baths or showers, but the habitual mindset doesn’t always dictate how often we should wash our towels.
When is the best time to replace your toothbrush and how often you should clean your bathroom are topics that are often debated, but no one really emphasizes the proper process for cleaning bath towels. If you’re also unsure about how often you should be doing this task, let’s go down this rabbit hole to find the answer. Even if you think you’re washing your towels enough, many reports may differ.
When should you reuse or wash towels
There are some variables about how often you should wash your towels. Consumer Reports says that under normal circumstances, a towel can be used three or four times before it needs to be thrown in the basket. Now, notice that it doesn’t say “day” but “time.” So if multiple members of your family are using the same towel (such as a hand towel), it will need to be washed after the third or fourth use, which in most households is every single day.
Also, the condition of the person using the towel matters. If they are sick, the towel should be thrown out with the dirty clothes and replaced after each use. During cold and flu season, it’s best that each family member has their own towel – even if they are not showing symptoms – to prevent the potential spread of germs.
How often you wash towels also depends on how they are dried after use. If towels fall on the ground after use, the lack of air circulation will cause bacteria to grow rapidly. To increase the life of your towels, be sure to place damp towels on a towel rack. Even better, open a window or turn on a fan to reduce the humidity in the room.
Why is proper towel maintenance important
When you dry yourself with towels, they become damp. This porous, moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Yeast, mold, and E. coli can grow on a typical bath towel and you won’t even know it. Disgusting, right? Regular washing prevents bacteria from growing.
What temperature is best for washing towels
The infection control department at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Ennis, Ireland, recommends washing towels in water at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) or higher to kill bacteria. So if your washing machine has a sanitize mode, use it. If not, you might want to consider raising the temperature of your water heater while you wash that load. However, make sure young children are supervised around sinks, tubs, and showers while you’re doing laundry to avoid burns.
And, before you use fabric softener, don’t do it. Fabric softener leaves residue on towels, making them less absorbent.
10 Items You Probably Wash Too Much — Or Not Enough!
Americans spend more than 5 hours a day on their phones, according to a December 2024 survey. With that much handling, it’s no surprise that your phone becomes a bacteria hotspot — in fact, it’s often dirtier than a toilet seat. Since you’re constantly holding it and pressing it to your face, making regular phone cleaning part of your routine is more than just smarts, it’s vital for your health.
The FCC suggests disinfecting your phone daily, but not all cleaning methods are safe. Harsh chemicals and abrasives can damage the protective coating and potentially harm your screen. To keep your phone clean and intact, it’s important to use the right cleaning techniques.
Luckily, there are safe and effective ways to clean your phone without causing any damage. We’ll tell you the best methods and products to keep your device germ-free, whether you have an iPhone or Samsung or its level of water resistance.