Bath towels are something we use almost every day without paying much attention to them. After showering, we wrap them around our bodies, throw them over the rack, sometimes on the floor, sometimes over the bed (scream of horror!), and then – if we’re being honest – we use them again. And again. And again. Until they start to give off a scent that lets us know that we’ve clearly crossed the line of cleanliness.
The question of how many times can a towel before we have to wash it is not only a matter of hygiene, but also of health. Towels are ideal breeding ground for bacteria, mold and unpleasant odors, especially if they're not dried properly. And if you think the smell is the only problem, let us whisper to you: what stinks has often already started to grow. Microscopically, but relentlessly.
When is a towel still clean – and when is it already dirty?
Most people assume that since we use a towel on a clean body, there is no need to wash it frequently. But the truth is quite different. A towel after just a few uses, it becomes a warm and humid environment, where microorganisms literally thrive. When we apply moisture, skin cells, sweat and – without embellishment – residual bodily fluids to it, we give it everything the bacteria need to have fun.
If the towel during use not completely dry, it starts to develop an unpleasant odor, which is not just a warning, but a clear sign that bacteria is multiplying on it. It's even worse if we throw it in a pile or leave it in a damp bathroom where it never dries completely. In such cases, it should be washed after just one use.
Under ideal conditions – that is, if the towel always hang it so that it dries quickly and completely, if it is used after a short shower and if we have not been in direct contact with dirt, sweat or chemicals – we can use it up to four timesbefore it goes into the washing machine.
What about hand towels and special circumstances?
Hand towels are a completely different story. These they often come into contact with several people, with different surfaces and with dirt transferred from hands. Therefore, the golden rule applies: change every day or two, especially in households with multiple members, children or visitors.
Special attention is also required in situations such as:
- use after exercise, where sweat and bacteria from fitness equipment find their way to our skin and then into the towel;
- allergies and sensitive skin, where it is important that the surface that comes into contact with the skin does not contain irritants;
- animal contactif you share a towel with your pets (yes, this happens too), as hair, mites, and other microscopic critters can be transferred.
If your towel stinks – don't hesitate
Don't wait until laundry day if The towel starts to smell after just one or two uses.. The smell is a clear sign that bacteria are already breaking down the moisture and skin residue in the fabric. Such a towel is no longer hygienic and can cause skin irritation or even infection. And if you think: “I’ll just use it one more time, it’s not completely bad yet” – you’re already in the risk game.
A simple trick to get rid of a towel that has developed a persistent odor? Wash it in hot water with an appendix of white vinegar – approximately 1 cup on a full load. This combination will eliminate bacteria and neutralize unpleasant odors while restoring the fabric's absorbency.
Keep your laundry smart, not just clean
So, if you want your towel to keep cooperating (or your skin), follow a few basic rules. You don't have to become a towel maniac who washes after every use, but a little common sense and listening to your own olfactory receptors can make a huge difference. If your towel smells like the sea, but you haven't been to the sea, the answer is clear: it's time to washAnd no, drying it on a radiator won't save it.
