Towels are a bathroom essential, but they aren't always as fresh and clean as you might think. A variety of microorganisms that survive our cleansing routine can invade its fibers when we dry our bodies. Even if you don't see it, towels can be very dirty. If you can't remember the last time you changed your bath towel, read on to learn how often towels should be changed.
Since you're using your towel freshly showered, you might think that it can't get that dirty. After all, the fabric only comes into contact with your freshly washed body. But our skin is never completely free of microorganisms and when you dry yourself, you transfer dead skin cells to your towel. This, combined with the moisture from the bathroom, can mean that it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Here's everything you need to know about why changing towels is so importantoften you wash themshould and what signs indicate that it is time to replace the towels with new ones.
When should you change and wash the towels?
The simple rule of thumb is to use a new towel about every three days, and this applies to all types of towels.
If you shower daily, that means you have to wash the bath towel almost twice a week, but if you shower more often, you may want to change the towels more often. You can even have them washed after each use.
Make sure that when a towel is ready for the laundry basket, you first let it air dry. Then it can stay in the dirty laundry until laundry day without the risk of it developing unpleasant odors or bacteria growing.
Towels that are used by several people after using the toilet should be washed every one or two days. Even if we all have good hygiene, the towels in the bathroom sometimes dry hands that are not completely clean.
When should towels be changed more frequently?
There are a few factors that make it necessary to wash your bath towels after a single use.
- Your towel has come into contact with bodily fluids.
- The towel stays damp in the gym bag for a few hours.
- The bathroom is damp and never completely dries and the towels are stored there.
- You suffer from eczema or sensitive skin.
- You share the towel with your partner.
- You or your family members sweat a lot during the day or you have children who play outside.
How often to replace the towels?
Just because your towels don't have holes yet doesn't mean you shouldn't invest in a few new towels.
The experts recommend replacing towels every two to five years and those used for hand washing every one to two years. The exact lifespan of a towel depends on the quality and type of care. Always read the product label and follow washing instructions to get the most out of it. If you notice any of the following signs, it's time to replace your towel.
- The towel is no longer as soft.
- It doesn't absorb water as well as it used to.
- It has holes, tears or frayed edges.
- There is a musty smell after washing.
- They've had it for a few years.
Wash the towels properly
To stay clean, fluffy and fresh for longer, towels should be washed properly.
Wash brand new towels at least once before using them to remove excess lint.
Wash them at the highest possible temperature, preferably 60°C, but paying attention to the care label.
Towels should always be washed separately from other laundry to avoid clothing with zippers pulling and tearing the fabric.
If you notice that your older towels still smell even after a wash, first try washing them in the hottest water setting with a cup or two of white vinegar. Then wash them again with your regular detergent. If they still smell after this treatment, then it's time to replace them with new ones.
Do not use fabric softener as it reduces the absorbency of towels.
Tumble drying is the best way to keep your towels fluffy and soft. Avoid placing them on the heaters, otherwise they will closebecome dry and hard.
By following these tips and caring for your towels regularly, you can be sure you're properly taking care of your family's hygiene.
Also read:Get towels soft with salt: This is how they become fluffy again without fabric softener
