How often towels should be washed

Short answer: A towel that dries completely between uses can be used three to four times. If it does not dry fully, wash it after each use, because damp encourages odour and bacteria.

Drying decides everything

A damp towel is a breeding ground for bacteria, while one that dries fully can be used several times without smelling. So it is not the number of uses that decides when to wash it, but how well it dries in between.

Space on the hook

A towel folded double on a narrow hook will not dry, because air cannot reach the inside. Hang it spread out on a rail or rack instead. If you only have hooks, hang it by one corner so it falls open to full width.

Bathrooms without ventilation

Without ventilation no towel dries properly, whatever the material. Open the window or run the extractor after showering, and leave the door open when nobody is using the room. If the towel can hang in another room, it dries faster.

Three to four times

With good drying, three to four uses is a sensible limit for most people. If the towel smells, feels clammy or has started to absorb less, wash it sooner. Trust your nose and hands more than a fixed rule.

Hands and face

A towel for hands and face is used many times a day and rarely dries fully. Change it more often, ideally every two or three days. A small towel is quick to add to a wash and takes little space in the machine.

The material

A towel that dries quickly can be used more times before it needs washing. A thick towel absorbs a lot but takes longer to dry in a damp bathroom. See bamboo towels and choose based on how your bathroom dries.

Wash without fabric softener

Softener closes the loops, so the towel absorbs less and dries more slowly. Wash at 40 to 60 degrees, use the recommended dose of detergent and dry it fully afterwards. See how to wash bamboo towels.

Absorbency over time

A towel that is washed correctly keeps its absorbency for a long time. If it turns stiff or absorbs poorly, residue from detergent or softener is often the cause. More in are bamboo towels absorbent.

More towels make it easier

If each person has two towels in rotation, one can dry completely while the other is in use. It is the simplest way to avoid odour. See the other textiles in home and homewear in bamboo.

A fixed changing day

Many people find a fixed day easiest, when all towels are changed, for example together with the bedding. You do not have to remember when each towel was last washed, and there are always clean ones in the cupboard.