Bath towels, like our bedding, come into close contact with our skin from head to toe. Yet, after each use, they are often left hanging, as if they were merely blotting away water, until they begin to develop an unpleasant odor. This prompts the question: how often should you launder or refresh your towels? Dive in for the answers.
Why is it Important to Wash your Towels?
The Significance of Regular Towel Washing”
Understanding the advantages of consistent towel cleaning can serve as motivation for those who may sometimes find it a chore. Bath towels play a critical role in our personal hygiene, as they come into direct contact with the skin from head to toe. Consequently, the presence of lingering bacteria is a concern. For instance, when drying our hands after washing, we use a towel. Studies have revealed that, even after using soap, traces of bacteria can still persist and transfer through to the towel from the human skin. Consequently, prolonged use of the same unwashed towel after a bath can potentially pose health risks.
Furthermore, as you dry yourself, the towel absorbs the moisture, creating a damp environment. Damp environments are known breeding grounds for bacteria. Neglecting to wash your towels can lead to various skin issues, including acne. The human body contains numerous clogged pores, which can result in breakouts and acne. Allergens present in dirty towels can also trigger existing conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. Moreover, sharing your towels with others can potentially lead to the spread of these issues.
In summary, the importance of routinely washing your towels cannot be overstated, as it is closely linked to your health and hygiene.
How Often to Wash Towels?
The frequency of washing towels hinges on several factors, yet, in general, experts recommend that bath towels not be used more than two or three times before being washed. Typically, bath towels should be washed every three days to a week. However, the decision should be guided by how efficiently the bath towel dries.
The speed of drying plays a significant role in this regard. Towels that dry rapidly host fewer microorganisms compared to those that absorb water but do not dry promptly. When a wet towel is hung in the bathroom, it is exposed to ambient humidity, thus extending its drying time. The same principle applies when folding a soiled and damp towel. Therefore, it’s advisable not to store your wet towel in the bathroom; instead, opt to air dry it in open space so that moisture can efficiently evaporate.
Skin Conditions
Skin Issues
If you have warts, toenail fungus, skin problems, etc., you should use fresh towels to make sure that the germs do not spread to other parts of the body. You can also use towels that are anti-microbial treated out of the box, or towels that are made from natural fibers. Plus, dirty towels can flare up infections and irritate other parts of the body. There may be an increase in lesions when you use dirty towels to dry up your face and skin. So if you have skin problems, its time to change and start using towels that are anti-microbial treated.
A bath towel cannot last forever, a study revealed that a bath towel needs to be changed after 3 months or 100 washes, as the fibers in towel lose their effectiveness. Its always wise and hygienic to not to use a towel beyond two months of continuous usage, as certain towels lose their attributes in this time.
