After the specified number of uses, it's essential to clean your bath towel.
So, You're Wondering How Long You Should Keep Using That Bath Towel?
It's a common debate: some folks stick to their towels for days, while others prefer a fresh one daily. But, what's the actual science behind it? Let's dive in and decipher the advice from experts to help you make an informed decision.
Washing Towels: The Deetails
Given their frequent usage, bath towels collect bodily oils, dead skin cells, sweat, dust, bacteria, and soap residue with every wash[1]. According to Alicia Sokolowski, a cleaning and laundry expert, a towel can gather hundreds of thousands to millions of bacteria in just a few days, especially if not dried thoroughly between uses[1].
The bacteria and buildup may originate from our own bodies, but drying towels improperly can increase the risk of spreading bacteria or fungi. As a shocking fact, towels can develop up to 1000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat in just three days[2]. Yikes!
The Three-Use Maximum
So, how often should you wash your towels? Our experts report an average of three uses as the sweet spot[1]. Jade Piper, operations manager at BetterCleans, emphasizes that this number strikes a balance between cleanliness and towel longevity.
Remember, using the towel does not equal days. If you use your towel daily, it's recommended to wash it every three days[1]. However, the timeline changes if you use it more frequently.
Bumping Up the Frequency
Several factors can impact your laundry schedule. For example, if you have sensitive skin or live in a humid climate, washing towels more frequently every two days or even after each use is advisable[1]. Other factors include recent sickness, physical activity, and personal preferences.
Maintaining Fresh Towels
For the best results, experts recommend washing bath towels in hot water with a natural detergent that breaks down oils and bacteria while preserving the towel's softness and absorbency[1][2]. Furthermore, avoid using fabric softeners and opt for hanging the towel on a towel bar for proper air circulation and complete drying[2].
[1] Saladyga, Wendy. Stain Expert and Senior Manager of Technical Performance, Henkel.[2] Anderson, Maria. Cleaning and Organizing Expert, Henfield Storage.
- To maintain a balanced approach between cleanliness and towel durability, experts suggest washing bath towels after using them approximately three times.
- In situations where you have sensitive skin or live in a humid climate, it's advisable to wash towels every two days, or even after each use.
- For the most effective cleaning, experts recommend using hot water with a natural detergent that can break down oils, bacteria, and simultaneously preserve towel softness and absorbency.
- To keep bath towels fresh and clean, it's important to avoid fabric softeners and ensure adequate air circulation during drying by hanging the towel on a towel bar.
