Things to know when washing towels

Many types of bacteria, fungi, protozoans, viruses and worms can live on towels for days or weeks if the towel is damp and dark.

That's the finding published in the 2021 report “Laundry Hygiene and Odor Control: State of the Science ” by the American Society for Microbiology.

How often you should wash your towels depends on how often you use them, how humid your bathroom is, and your personal preferences and habits, says Stefan Bucur, founder and owner of the American organization and cleaning service Clean.com. Bucur recommends hanging towels to air out, rather than rolling them up in a pile on the floor, where they can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

Anna Brakefield, co-founder of a linen company in Alabama, USA, recommends that launderers follow a three-day rule for towels. “We tell our customers to wash their towels after three uses. This is the best way to ensure that no bacteria remains on the fabric,” she says.

Many researchers agree that towels can be changed every three days or after three days if bacteria buildup is a concern.

Things to know when washing towels

Illustration: iStock

When should you change your towels?

Andrii Gurskyi, co-founder of a residential cleaning service in New York City, says the lifespan of a towel depends on its quality and frequency of use.

“Whenever a towel smells or feels rough to the touch, it’s time to replace it,” says Gurskyi. According to Anna Brakefield, a “good quality” towel can last for several years if cared for properly.

She recommends adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse water every time you wash your towels to reduce bacteria and detergent buildup.

“Vinegar loosens zinc or aluminum chloride salts, which means dirt won’t stick to clothes. Plus, vinegar has antibacterial properties,” says Healthline, a health website.

How to wash towels?

Depending on the material the towel is made of, there are different ways to wash it, so you should carefully read the instructions on the towel label and the detergent bottle.

However, cleaning experts recommend using detergents containing borax, a colorless crystalline salt that kills bacteria and inhibits the growth of mold.

“Borax-based cleaners like Oxiclean and Clorox are especially effective on towels. They will keep them soft. If you find that your towels aren’t getting clean in the washing machine, try washing them in hot water, at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit, to increase the chance of killing germs,” says Bucur.

For delicate fabrics, such as linen and silk, wash at a lower temperature.

According to experts, since towels harbor more bacteria than other items, a concentrated detergent can clean and remove any bacteria buildup. However, for patterned or colored towels, regular bleach should not be used, as it contains a lot of diluted sodium hypochlorite liquid that can strip the dye, cause stains, and reduce the absorbency of the towel.

Bath towels should not be washed with other towels and clothes, as they may require different detergents to remove stains and bacteria.

According to FoxNews/VNE

Source