One in ten people admit to changing their bath towels only every six months, a habit experts deem decidedly unhygienic. But how often *should* you be swapping out your towels for a fresh, clean feel?
Some change them daily, others weekly—the frequency of towel replacement is surprisingly varied. As a rule, most bathrooms house at least a hand towel and a bath towel, with some adding dedicated face or hair towels to the mix.
But beyond personal preference, is there a right answer? According to a 2023 survey conducted by a bathroom outfitter in Great Britain, reported by Bavarian Radio, a shocking ten percent of people only change their bath towels approximately every six months.
That’s… unsettling. Let’s break down how often you really need to wash your towels, and how many you should realistically have on hand.
Also read: Doing laundry: 4 things you wash far too rarely (No. 4 is particularly bad)
1. Shower Towels (Body and Face Towels)
When it comes to washing shower towels, frequency of use is key. It’s recommended to replace your shower towel after three to four uses. If you shower daily, aim to toss it in the laundry after about four days.
Even if you feel clean after drying off, skin flakes, moisture, and bacteria accumulate in the fabric. A damp towel provides the perfect breeding ground for germs.
Ideally, supplement your body towel with a separate, smaller towel for your face. Change this daily, or every other day, especially if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition like acne, as fresh towels can help prevent flare-ups.
Also read: Kitchen and bathroom: Can cleaning rags and towels be put in the washing machine together?
2. Hand Towels and Guest Towels
Most people keep a hand towel in addition to their shower and face towels, using it after hand washing and often offering it to guests. Replace this towel after one or two days.
When expecting guests, always hang up a fresh towel, replacing it at the end of the day. The replacement frequency depends on how heavily the towel is used.
In larger households, having multiple hand towels is sensible, as they quickly become reservoirs for germs. Even better: assign each person their own hand towel.
Reading tips: Stiff as a board? These home remedies make towels soft again
3. Kitchen Towels
Finally, let’s talk kitchen towels. These should also be replaced daily or every other day, depending on usage. They frequently come into contact with food, raw meat, and surfaces, demanding frequent cleaning.
Consider using one towel specifically for drying dishes and surfaces that touch food, and another for hands and other objects.
Also read: Washing laundry: When my towels smell smelly, I swear by grandma’s tricks
Washing Towels: The Best Tips for Hygienic Cleaning
- Washing temperature: At least 60 °C to reliably kill bacteria.
- Waschmittel: A hygienic cleaner can also help, especially at lower temperatures.
- Dry: Always let it dry completely—preferably in the air or in the dryer. Avoid leaving damp towels crumpled up!
Shopping-Tipp: I discovered a super practical turban towel for your hair at Tchibo that I had to buy immediately. You can find the practical shower gadget from Tchibo here.*
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