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Maintaining a supply of high-quality towels is essential for a well-stocked bathroom. However, even the finest towels can lose their quality after numerous washes and extended use. While you likely wash your towels regularly, do you know if you are replacing them as often as necessary? How long should you keep your current towels before investing in a new set?
After several months of use, the texture and feel of towels may decline, and routine washing may not eliminate persistent odors. To learn how often towels should be laundered and when it might be time to purchase replacements, I consulted laundry professionals for their expert opinions and recommendations.
Frequency of Towel Washing
Fresi Lewenhaupt, CEO of Steamery, a clothing care company, suggests that towels should be washed and rotated every two to five uses to prevent excessive dirt accumulation.
“To avoid the growth of bacteria and mold, it’s vital to ensure that bath towels dry completely after each use,” Lewenhaupt recommends. “A practical approach is to alternate between two towels, allowing each one to dry fully before the next use.”
With this advice in mind, it’s advisable to keep at least two clean towels available each week, especially for those who shower multiple times a day.
Towel Replacement Guidelines
Salvador Villarreal, co-founder of VIP Cleaners & Laundry, indicates that towels should ideally be replaced every two to four years, depending on quality and usage frequency.
“You should consider replacing towels when they become thin, rough, permanently stained, or lose their absorbency,” Villarreal states. Over time, distinguishing between a fresh towel and a well-used one becomes apparent, as texture changes and odor can linger even after washing. If a towel retains an unpleasant smell after a single wash, it may be time to retire it.
Should I Wash Towels After Every Use?
While it’s unnecessary to wash towels after each use, a launder cycle after every two to five uses is advisable, as noted by Lewenhaupt. This frequency can vary based on factors such as bathroom humidity, washing technique, and whether towels dry adequately between uses.
Utilizing at least two towels interchangeably throughout the week is recommended. If towels do not dry fully between uses, mold may develop, resulting in unpleasant odors. Although not required to wash the same towel after each use, replacing it with a fresh one for each shower or bath is a wise choice.
Optimal Towel Washing Techniques
According to Villarreal, washing towels separately from regular clothes is best, using warm water. He advises using fabric softeners sparingly, as they can coat fibers and diminish absorbency. “Stick to the recommended amount of detergent and ensure towels are thoroughly dried before folding or storage,” Villarreal adds. It’s also a common misconception that using excessive detergent results in cleaner textiles; effective washing relies more on technique and temperature.
Recommended Products for Towel Maintenance
Below are some editor-approved products for washing and maintaining towels. We will also provide suggestions for new towel purchases.
OxiClean’s Odor Blasters Powdered Laundry Stain Remover stands out for its effectiveness in eliminating odors. The brand claims it’s particularly useful for musty towels and fabrics exposed to sweat and body odor, such as socks and sportswear. It works in both hot and cold water; however, for cold cycles, it must first dissolve in hot water before being added to the wash. Since it acts as a booster, it should complement regular laundry detergent rather than replace it.
Lysol’s Laundry Sanitizer is another effective solution for stubborn odors. This product is suitable for cold water and is noted for its ability to kill bacteria, making it particularly important for items like bedding and sportswear.
Senior Editor Shalwar Evans from NBC Selected has incorporated these pods into her laundry routine, especially when her towels don’t seem fresh. “Since adding these pods, I’ve noticed a marked improvement in freshness, even with towels that absorb odors easily,” states Evans.
For those looking to upgrade their towel collection, the Organic Classic Turkish Cotton Gray Bath Towel is a popular choice. Featuring a durable texture and a luxurious feel, it remains soft even after numerous washes. Available in various colors and designs, these towels enhance the bathroom experience significantly.
Expertise in Laundry Care
At NBC Selected, we engage with industry professionals whose expertise is backed by relevant experience. We take proactive steps to ensure that all professional recommendations are made independently, avoiding any potential conflicts of interest.
Salvador Villarreal owns VIP Cleaners & Laundry based in San Diego, California, while Frej Lewenhaupt co-founded Steamery, a prominent clothing and laundry brand from Stockholm.
Trustworthiness of NBC Selected
As the Commerce Editor at NBC Selected, I provide insights on sales events, product reviews, and guides across various categories, including household cleaning tools. For this article, I consulted multiple laundry experts to gain valuable advice on the frequency of towel cleaning and replacement.
