How often should you wash bathroom towels?

The answer might surprise you. 

Let’s talk towels. They’re the unsung heroes of your bathroom routine, drying you off day after day and giving you that cozy post-shower hug. But the big question is how often should you wash them? 

If you’ve been riding the "I’ll wash it when it starts to smell" train, we’ve got news for you. There’s a recommended towel-washing schedule that’ll keep you and your towels fresh and clean. Spoiler, it’s more frequent than you figure.  

Why it matters 

You might think, "I’m clean when I use my towel, so why wash it so often?" Good question. Even though towels dry you off after a shower, they still collect dead skin cells, natural oils and moisture. And guess what loves moisture? Bacteria and mildew. The longer your towel stays damp, the more it becomes a breeding ground for the not-so-great stuff, like: 

According to the Cleaning Institute, experts suggest washing towels after every three to five uses. That means if you shower daily, your towel should hit the laundry every three to four days. This frequency helps prevent bacterial buildup and keeps things feeling and smelling fresh. Plus, it keeps that soft, fluffy feeling intact.  

What about hand towels? 

Hand towels get a lot more action than your bath towels. They’re used multiple times a day by multiple people, which means they’re prone to bacteria even quicker. Ideally, swap out your hand towels every one to two days. If you have guests over or kids who seem to forget how to use a towel properly, you might want to change them even more often. 

Best practices for washing 

Now that you know when to wash, let’s talk about how. First, don’t overload the washer. Towels need space to get thoroughly clean and cramming them in won’t do the trick. Wash them in warm water with a regular detergent and skip the fabric softener. While softener might sound like a good idea, it can make towels less absorbent over time. For that extra fluffiness, toss in a couple of dryer balls or clean tennis balls with your towels. 

Special towels, special care 

Do you have fancy towels you use for décor more than drying? Sure, you don’t have to wash those as often, but make sure they still get some regular love. Dust and moisture in the air can still collect on them, even if they’re just there to look pretty. 

The bottom line 

When it comes to towel hygiene, err on the side of washing more often. After all, your towel does a lot of hard work. Stick to a schedule of every three to four uses for bath towels and one to two days for hand towels, and you’ll stay fresh, dry and free of any unwanted bacteria or musty smells. So, the next time you're doing laundry, give those trusty towels the care they deserve, and you’ll thank yourself later.