So, how often should you wash your bath towels? There is a lot of conflicting
advice out there. Some people say that you should launder them after every use, others suggest that weekly is the right option. The answer actually depends on a number of factors. From the type of fiber they're made from to where they are stored in your home, the frequency with which you should wash your bath towels will vary depending on a few different circumstances. We have put together this post so that you can decide what's best for your situation!
The type of towel you have can play a role in how often it needs to be washed. Terrycloth towels, for example, tend to trap more bacteria than other types of towels and should therefore be laundered more frequently; after every 1-2 washes if possible. If you're using a microfiber towel, laundering it less often (every three to four uses) is generally recommended. Turkish peshtemals on the other hand can go a bit longer. Because they are so thin and dry quickly, they don't trap odor or bacteria as easily as standard bath towels and can be washed after 4-5 uses or after a week of use, whichever comes first.
One of the biggest factors that determines how often you should wash your towels is where they are stored in your home. If they are kept in a humid environment, such as the bathroom, bacteria will thrive and you'll need to launder them more often. Towels that are kept in a dry environment, like a linen closet, will not need to be washed as often.
Another factor to consider is the type of detergent you are using. If you're using a detergent that contains bleach, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for how often your towel can be laundered without damaging it. Some bleaches can cause your towels to wear out more quickly.
Finally, consider the number of towels you have in your household and how often each person uses them. The more people there are using a limited amount of towels, the greater the chance that they will not be laundered frequently enough to keep up with bacteria growth - so if this is something that applies to your family it might be a good idea to increase the frequency of laundering or to increase the number of towels you have in your home.
Most people will find that following these guidelines for laundering their towels is appropriate:
- Terrycloth towels - after every 1-2 uses
- Microfiber towels - after 3-4 uses, or once per week (whichever comes first)
- InfuseZen half terry towels - after 3-4 uses, or once per week (whichever comes first)
- Infusezen peshtemals - after 4-5 uses, or once per week (whichever comes first)