Recent studies raised concerns about towel hygiene and the frequency of washing towels. A study published in 2020 with 100 participants found that approximately one-third of them washed their towels only once a month, according to BBC News. These findings suggest a common neglect in regular towel washing, which can lead to hygiene issues.
Professor Elizabeth Scott, co-director of the Center for Hygiene and Health at Simmons University in Boston, emphasizes the importance of washing towels regularly. "Washing them on a weekly basis is a very good start," said Scott, according to BBC News. However, she notes that this recommendation is not a strict rule and should be adjusted based on individual circumstances.
Towels can become breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, even without visible signs of dirt. "Fluffy towel fibers do not necessarily show signs of dirt, but they harbor millions of microbes, as the fabric provides a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi despite not showing visible signs of contamination," reported BBC News. Over time, microorganisms can form biofilms on towels, altering their appearance and potentially reducing their absorbency.
Germs on towels can originate from multiple sources. Each time the toilet is flushed, towels nearby may receive a light spray of bacteria, contributing to microbial accumulation.
The risk of microbial growth increases when towels are left damp. "The longer a towel is used and the longer it remains damp, the more welcoming it is to microbes, increasing the risk of growth of harmful organisms," explained Scott, as reported by BBC News. This is particularly concerning in bathrooms, where humidity levels are high, and towels may not dry thoroughly between uses.
Sharing towels can exacerbate the spread of bacteria and pathogens. Certain bacteria found on towels, such as Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli, are opportunistic pathogens. These bacteria can lead to infections if they come into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes.
Regular washing of towels at appropriate temperatures is crucial. "Towels need to be washed at higher temperatures (40-60°C, 104-140°F) and more frequently than other household fabrics, often with antimicrobial detergents," recommended Scott, according to BBC News. For washing at lower temperatures, adding enzymes, vinegar, or bleach can help combat microbes present on towels.
Drying towels properly after washing is equally important. Drying towels completely, either by hanging them in sunlight or using a hot dryer, can prevent the growth of bacteria. Ensuring towels are fully dry before their next use reduces the likelihood of microbial proliferation.
Mary Johnson, a laundry expert, offers practical advice on towel usage. "Normally, bath towels can be used 3-4 times before they need to be washed," said Johnson, according to Detik. She also notes that if a towel begins to emit a musty odor, it is an indicator that it needs to be washed. "If your towel looks clean but still smells unpleasant, it means the towel is not really clean," she adds.
Hand towels require more frequent washing due to higher usage and the increased likelihood of bacterial transfer. Hand towels should be changed every one or two days. This practice helps minimize the spread of bacteria, especially in households with multiple occupants.
In some cases, such as when illness is present in the home, towels should be washed daily. In case of illness in the home, such as diarrhea and vomiting, towels should be washed daily, and infected individuals should not share towels and bedding to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Experts also caution against certain towel practices. Near the toilet, flushing with the lid open can add bacteria to towels in the worst case, noted Focus Online.
Over time, towels may lose their effectiveness. "As towels age, they lose absorbency, and bacteria find it easier to survive in them," reported N-TV. Replacing towels every few years can help maintain hygiene standards.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq