Why Storing Your Towels In Your Bathroom Might Be Ruining Them

Stashing your freshly laundered towels right in the bathroom might seem like the obvious choice, as it provides the perfect storage space for your everyday essentials. Whether it's a small washcloth or a larger bath towel, storing these items in the bathroom can be a game-changer in keeping your linens convenient and accessible. But if you've ever reached for a "fresh" towel, only to be met with a faint, musty smell, your designated storage area may be the culprit. Despite being the go-to spot for drying off, the bathroom is ironically the worst place to store your towels in the long term.

The problem with storing towels in the bathroom isn't about convenience, but rather the higher humidity levels. Hot showers, wet floors, and poor ventilation can all contribute to excess moisture, especially in smaller bathrooms. While you can help to prevent mold and mildew growth, it is difficult to keep it away from your everyday linens. The moisture in the air can quickly access your towels, which leads to mildew and mold. Even if they are dry to the touch, they may not be entirely safe to use. Add to that the fact that most people stack their towels on top of one another, which traps moisture between the layers, and you have the breeding ground for these pesky bacteria. It can drastically affect the texture and smell of your bathroom towels, leaving you feeling not so clean, even after a fresh shower. If you notice that your bath towels have gone from spa quality to swampy, it might be time to change up your storage routine.

So what exactly contributes to gross bathroom towels? Every time you shower, the bathroom tends to fill with a thick layer of steam, even if it is properly ventilated. The moisture clings to most surfaces, contributing to the classic foggy mirror or a soaking wet vanity. If you've ever wondered what it might mean when your toilet starts sweating, it is most likely the result of humid bathroom conditions. Your towels are no different, except for the fact that they are fairly porous. Most surfaces can be wiped down to avoid mold and mildew growth, but stored towels tend to hold onto that excess moisture. In this instance, their ability to attract moisture is actually a downside, as stacks of towels may harbor humidity and overtime encourage mildew. This is what leads to that musty smell that no amount of washing can seem to get rid of. Worse, mildew can actually break down the fibers of your towels, causing thinning and discoloration in the process.

If you start to notice that your towels don't dry quickly, feel less absorbent, or smell off even after a fresh wash, your bathroom's environment might be the issue. While washing towels regularly can help to combat mildew, it doesn't solve the root of the problem if they are regularly being exposed to humidity. And it doesn't just stop at the smell or the softness of your towels; moisture also leads to bacteria that can then be transferred to your skin. So, while the bathroom might seem like the logical storage solution for your towels, it might actually be harming your linens instead.

With the bathroom officially off limits for towel storage, where is the next best place to keep your everyday essentials? The best location for your towels is in a nearby hall closet or cabinet that is outside of the bathroom and the range of any humidity. A hallway linen closet is an ideal spot, especially if it is close enough to grab a towel without completely soaking your floors. Stacking them on a few shelves can help to avoid excess moisture buildup and effectively utilize the storage space around your home. And you can easily refresh your linen closet with some budget-friendly essentials to provide additional storage options. If you don't have an available closet, a freestanding cabinet can also get the trick done just as effectively, providing the perfect sanctuary for your towels. Keeping these items in a dry spot not only prevents mildew, but also keeps them feeling fluffy and fresh for far longer. Bonus points if your storage space gets a bit of airflow, like an open shelving system with a few wicker baskets.

That said, if you're short on space and have to store your towels in the bathroom, there are a few ways to combat any negatives. Try to place your towels in a closed cabinet, while also ensuring proper ventilation within the entire space. Ensure that you are always using an extractor fan when you're showering and continually rotate your towel collection. With the right adjustments to your bathroom routine, you can ensure that your towels remain fresh and soft!