Bath towel FAQs
How often should I wash my bath towels?
Wash your towels before you use them for the first time, and then after every three to four uses. A bath towel may seem relatively clean since you only use it to dry off after a shower, but that’s actually not the case: towels provide a rich environment for bacteria to build up and grow.
“Think about when you dry yourself off with your towel — you are collecting oils and skin, and so you want to wash your towels every few uses. [That’s also] why it’s important to have a stocked linen closet,” Forrest said.
How should I clean my towels?
For a regular clean, use warm or hot water and a small amount of detergent in the washing machine. Be warned that too much detergent can lead to residue buildup, which affects the towel’s absorbency and fluff. In addition, manufacturers often add finishes or softeners to the towel, further contributing to buildup.
For a deeper clean, wash it in a hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar, and then run it in a second wash cycle with half a cup of baking soda.
After washing, you can throw it in the dryer or hang it up to line-dry.
How long should towels last?
It depends on how often you rotate your towels out as well as the material they’re made out of. Generally, bath towels should last at least a couple of years with good maintenance. If there’s excessive fraying, it doesn’t feel as soft or fluffy as it used to, or if there’s a lingering smell you just can’t seem to get rid of, then it’s probably time to buy a new towel.
How should I store bath towels when not in use?
Hang your towel on a hook or towel bar when not in use, making sure the towel has plenty of space to air to circulate. This speeds up drying time and prevents mildew growth.
For clean, dry towels meant for longer term storage, you can fold or roll them, then stack them in your linen closet or cabinet. However you choose to arrange them, it’s important to make sure the storage space is cool and dry, and that your towels are completely dry before you store them away.
Why do my towels smell?
If a wet towel is left bunched up in the hamper or on the ground, mildew starts to grow, leading to a musty smell. To avoid mildew, hang your towel right after use so it has the space and time to dry completely.
If it still smells, use our deep clean method: wash it in a hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar, and then run it in a second wash cycle with half a cup of baking soda. Dry it in a machine or hang it up to line-dry.
Why do my towels stain or become discolored?
There are a couple of possible culprits for stains and discoloration:
- Skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide. People who regularly use benzoyl peroxide products may want to consider sticking to white or light-colored towels.
- Using fabric softener or bleach in the washing machine. Even if you don’t actively add bleach, leftover bleach in the dispenser can sometimes leak into the current load.
What is the difference between bath sheets and bath towels?
The towels we test and review here are bath towels and typically measure around 28 to 31-inches wide and 54 to 58-inches long. Bath towels are designed to drape around your shoulders or wrap around your body comfortably, but if you find you want even more coverage, you’ll want the much larger bath sheet. Bath sheets typically measure around 35 to 40-inches wide and 68 to 72-inches long.
Keep in mind that the increase in size also means bath sheets are more expensive and take longer to dry than bath towels.
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