Towels are essential in the bathroom and come into direct contact with our skin, so their care and washing are crucial. If not properly managed, they can quickly develop odors and become a breeding ground for bacteria. While it’s not a health hazard, drying off with a towel after a shower is pointless, so meticulous care is needed.
Bacteria and mold thrive with multiple uses
Even after only four uses, a towel can become a breeding ground for millions of bacteria. It’s essential to keep track of how many times you’ve used a single towel in a day and avoid using it more than four times. Especially if you have open wounds on your skin, using a towel multiple times can have detrimental effects.
Wash damp towels immediately
After using a towel, it’s best to wash it immediately. If you can’t wash it after every use, you can dry it on a rack and collect it for a single wash. However, you should not let this continue for more than 1-2 days. Especially during the summer or rainy season, towels can easily develop musty odors that are hard to remove through washing once they appear.
Every time you use a towel, it picks up bacteria from your body
When a towel touches your skin, it picks up dead skin cells and other debris. If the entire family uses a single towel, it’s time to start using separate towels for each person. This is especially important for children with weaker immune systems and more susceptible to bacteria.
Towels as a breeding ground for various bacteria
Even after one use, towels can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. As we mentioned earlier, wiping your face with a towel collects dead skin cells, sebum, various secretions, and even bacteria and mold spores. Additionally, the bathroom, where towels are typically hung, is always warm and humid, making it a perfect environment for microbial growth.
Avoid using fabric softeners
Many people use fabric softeners in every wash because of their pleasant smell. However, the ingredients in fabric softeners can shorten the lifespan of your towels. The compounds in fabric softeners reduce the friction of the towel fibers, decreasing their absorbency and weakening the fibers themselves. When using fabric softeners, use the smallest amount possible. If your towels have a strong odor, it’s good to use baking soda and detergent.
The proper way to dry towels
Once you’ve finished washing your towels, please don’t leave them damp for too long. Instead, hang them up or put them in the dryer immediately. When hanging them on a rack, ensure they don’t overlap and there’s plenty of space between them. If wet towels are stacked on each other, they won’t dry properly, and the added moisture can lead to bacterial growth. If you want to dry your towels faster, you can hang newspapers between them. The newspaper will absorb the moisture, helping it dry quicker.
What if the smell remains even after washing?
If your towels still have a distinct odor after washing, you should boil them occasionally. Using baking soda or laundry soap to boil your towels in small batches can eliminate lingering musty odors. Although it may be a bit of a hassle, setting a regular schedule to boil your towels will allow you to use fresher and fluffier towels.
Always wash towels separately.
Dust and various contaminants, including bacteria, can get lodged in a towel’s fibers and will not be thoroughly removed if it isn’t properly washed. If you wash towels with other clothes, these bacteria can transfer to the clothes, so always wash towels separately.
When hanging towels
If you use multiple towels in the bathroom, don’t hang them overlapping on a single towel rack. Instead, utilize separate towel racks for each one. This is especially important if each person is using their towel. Rather than hanging them haphazardly, spread them out so they can dry properly.
The appropriate towel replacement cycle
Many people use a single towel for several years, but towels have a lifespan, too. The recommended usage period is 1-2 years. Using a too-long towel can damage the fibers, irritating your skin. So, check the condition of your towels regularly and replace them when necessary.
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