Please note that Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue from some products linked in this article. The ongoing debate in the home decor world isn’t about matching gallery wall frames or the length of your tablecloth, but rather about how frequently you should wash your bath towels. Some argue that changing out your towels once a week is sufficient, while others insist on washing them after every use. The question remains: does the frequency of towel washing really matter? Who is correct in this argument?
Microbiologist Jason Tetro, author of The Germ Code and The Germ Files, and host of the Super Awesome Science Show podcast, suggests that due to the potential growth of microbes on towels, they should be washed at least once a week. However, if you prefer to wash them more frequently, that’s not a problem either. According to Tetro, studies have shown that microbes can multiply into the hundreds of thousands, possibly even millions, on towels within a week. This accumulation could transfer back to your skin, leading to unpleasant odors or potential infections.
If you’re suddenly feeling the urge to toss your towel into the laundry, here’s what you need to know about the potential hygiene issues associated with damp, used towels.
Are Dirty Towels a Health Concern?
While most types of microbes on towels are relatively harmless, some, such as Staphylococcus aureus and its antibiotic-resistant variant MRSA, can cause infections, warns Tetro. Dermatologist Dr. Kristina Collins emphasizes that dirty towels can worsen conditions like facial and body acne or folliculitis. When we dry off with a towel, we transfer bacteria, yeast, fungi, and dead skin cells to its surface.
How Often Should You Wash Your Towels?
According to textile care expert Patric Richardson, using too much detergent can leave residue on towels, reducing their absorbency. He suggests washing body and face towels after three to four uses, with increased frequency for those dealing with acne or eczema. Hand towels, which are exposed to more harmful bacteria like E. coli, should be washed every two days, advises Dr. Collins.
How to Ensure Your Bath Towels Are Truly Clean
To avoid detergent residue buildup, which can affect absorbency and lead to bacterial growth, Richardson recommends using an appropriate amount of detergent when washing towels. A sour or mildewy smell from your towel could be due to an absorbency issue caused by excess soap residue, preventing proper drying and fostering bacteria growth.
To achieve the best results when washing a full load of towels, it is recommended to use two tablespoons of detergent. Avoid the use of fabric softener and dryer sheets, as they can diminish the absorbency of your towels. Rather than compromising the quality of your towels, aim for them to come out of the dryer fluffy and soft. If you desire a pleasant scent, consider using a wool dryer ball with a drop of lemongrass or bergamot essential oil.
It is advised not to use chlorine bleach on white towels, as they contain a blue dye that contributes to their bright white color. Bleaching out this color can result in towels appearing dull and lackluster. When drying towels after use, it is important to choose the right location. Hanging damp towels inside a walk-in closet or on the outside of the bathroom door using a hook or towel rack is recommended. This practice helps to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, which thrive in warm and humid bathroom environments.
Regularly washing bath mats is essential to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. It is advisable to wash bath mats once a week, preferably with hot water. If laundry instructions prohibit the use of hot water, opt for a disinfectant containing hydrogen peroxide or non-bleaching agents like citric acid. Due to their damp nature and large surface area, bath mats can harbor a substantial amount of bacteria and fungi. To combat this, consider switching to a stone bath mat for a more hygienic option.
For more home and lifestyle tips, follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok. Discover unique home bar gifts for cocktail enthusiasts and explore a curated selection of low-light indoor plants that thrive in darker spaces. Additionally, find inspiration with the 50 best paint colors for your living room.
