Exactly How Often You Should Be Cleaning Your Bathroom Towels

After taking a shower, you're supposed to feel clean and rejuvenated. But if you're not washing your bath towels as often as you should, you might end up feeling a little icky. Towels are something we wrap ourselves in as we dry off from head to toe. Yet, the reality is, a dirty towel can also be a petri dish of bacteria, fecal particles, dead skin cells, allergens, and more. Some of these germs can lead to skin problems, too. As a general rule, you should be tossing your bath towel in the washing machine after three to five uses.

There are times when you should be washing your towels more often than every several days. Even hand towels should be changed out more frequently. If you have any rashes, cuts, or other issues with your skin, it's recommended that you grab a new towel each time you bathe. Washcloths should also be laundered after each use, since you clean your skin with them.

Another habit experts urge is letting your towels dry out properly in between uses. Bacteria and mildew love moisture, so a scrunched up damp towel is the perfect environment for them to flourish. Hang them spread out in the bathroom, but if you struggle to get them dry because of humidity, consider drying them in another spot. Also, avoid placing wet towels in a hamper if they're going to just be sitting there.

Similar to washing your sheets regularly, you should have a system for laundering your bath towels every three to five days. Use a hot water cycle and preferably an enzymatic detergent, which will help break down stains and odors. Then, dry them on a high setting, and use some dryer balls for wrinkle-free laundry. Make sure that they are 100% dry before folding them and putting them away so they don't develop mildew. If any of your towels end up with a musty smell, you shouldn't use them. Instead, wash them in a cycle with regular or oxygen bleach. But if the odor remains after washing your towels, it's definitely a sign that it's time to get rid of them. 

Bath towels should be replaced about every two to five years. This should be clear if your towels start losing absorbency, and they aren't getting you dried off as quickly as they used to. A bad smell is once again another sign that their time is up. Washcloths and hand towels should be switched out more often, though, as they get quite germy. Replace your washcloths every six months to one year, and your hand towels every one to two years.

If you want to make sure your towels stay fresh in between washings, it's important they dry thoroughly every time. Avoid sharing towels with others, especially if someone has been sick. It's also a good idea to regularly clean your washing machine — about every 30 uses or once a month.