Towels in a small bathroom
Short answer: In a small bathroom the aim is to get towels dry while saving space. Use hooks and rails at height, choose thinner towels that dry quickly, keep only as many in use as you need, and air the room after every shower.
The challenge of a small room
Small bathrooms often have high humidity and little space. A wet towel hanging folded on a hook dries slowly and can start to smell within a few days. When there also needs to be room for a dressing gown, sleepwear and towels for several people, it quickly becomes cramped. The answer is a combination of smart hanging, fewer towels and good ventilation, so that moisture does not linger in the room after everyone has finished washing.
Hanging at height
Use the walls. A towel rail above the radiator or a heated towel rail is the best spot, because the warmth helps drive the moisture away. Hooks on the back of the door or in a row one above the other give room for several towels without using floor space. Hang towels spread out so they have the largest possible surface. A rail above the bath or shower is useful for drying a towel straight after use while the room is still warm.
Thinner towels dry faster
Thick terry towels are soft, but they take a long time to dry in a damp room. Thinner towels dry faster and take up less space in the cupboard. Bamboo towels are relatively thin and soft, and they absorb water well. Many people choose a slightly smaller bath towel and a separate hair towel rather than one large one. That gives more flexibility on the hooks and helps each towel dry properly between uses.
How many towels do you need
Two bath towels per person and a few hand towels are enough for most households. One set in use and one in the wash. The rest can be kept in a cupboard outside the bathroom, where the air is drier. That frees up space and stops clean towels from soaking up moisture from the room. Wash towels after three or four uses, or sooner if they start to smell, so they stay fresh and absorbent.
Air the room after a shower
Open the window or switch on the extractor fan for at least 15 to 20 minutes after every shower. Pull the shower curtain closed so it dries spread out, and wipe the tiles with a squeegee. Leave the door open when nobody is using the room. Moisture that is allowed to stay causes mould in the grout and slows drying. In winter it helps to keep a little heat on in the bathroom all the time.
Sleepwear and dressing gown
Many people change into sleepwear straight after an evening shower. Hang your sleepwear outside the bathroom so the steam does not make it damp, and bring it in once you are dry. A set of bamboo sleepwear for women in light viscose can hang on a hook in the bedroom. Have a look at other sleepwear too if you would like several sets to rotate through the week without washing every other day.
Frequently asked questions
How often should towels be washed
After three or four uses, provided they dry fully in between. If they smell, wash them straight away.
Why do towels smell in a small bathroom
Because they do not get the chance to dry in the damp air. Better ventilation and hanging them with space between helps.
Are thin towels as good as thick ones
In a small, damp bathroom they are often better, as they dry faster. Absorbency depends on the material, not only thickness.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
