How Many Bath Towels Do You Really Need In Your Home?

"Monica categorizes her towels. How many categories are there?" If you just read that in Ross' voice, you are thinking of the trivia episode from "Friends." The answer, however, was 11 categories. That's peak Monica. But, outside of the sitcom, the real question is, how many towels does a house really need? Is 11 an appropriate number? More? Less? Let's get into it.

According to professional organizers and textile experts, there is a key bathroom principle, i.e., two to three bath towels per person. That way, you always have one in use, one in the laundry, and one in reserve. Professional organizer Barbara Brock, founder of Barbara Brock Inc., told Homes & Gardens, "One person needs on average two bath towels and two hand towels. One is to be used, and the other is to be used as a backup."

Of course, lifestyle plays an important role, too. If you wash laundry frequently, then you don't need excess bath towels to pick from. If you prefer fresh towels daily, then you may want to lean toward more towels; around three to four should be enough. (Aside from bath towels, you must also frequently change hand towels and washcloths to keep them clean.) Two towels per person will keep things practical and convenient. And while Monica created almost a dozen categories, most of us just need a simple, rotating system that is a good balance of hygiene, comfort, and storage.

Once you have sorted your personal towel stack, the next question that always pops in our minds is about guests. Do you really need shelves and shelves of bath towels stacked like a hotel room? No. For most households, the easiest way to go is to keep one bath towel per guest you can realistically host. In addition to the bath towel, each guest should have a washcloth and a hand towel. Having a few extra will ensure comfort for guests that are visiting for longer periods.

Remember, just because your guests have one bath towel each, they don't need slightly damp towels. Keep them fresh and understand how often you should clean bathroom towels. Experts recommend washing bath towels every three uses and hand towels every two to three days since they can pick up large amounts of bacteria. Always hang towels to dry fully instead of tossing them in the heap. Damp fibers can be a breeding ground for mildew. One trick is to give your towels a vinegar rinse once in a while to revive softness. Such small habits will ensure your home is guest-ready even during surprise visits.

Now, it's time to store them neatly. Bath towels are bulky, so try rolling instead of folding as it can save space. Maybe keep baskets or bins to keep sets together, as it'll keep your bathroom clutter-free. With these tips in mind, you'll strike the perfect balance between hospitality and simplicity.