Laundry is one of those never-ending household chores that often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. When the laundry basket is overflowing, it’s tempting to toss everything into the washer all at once just to get it over with. But combining different types of fabrics—especially towels and clothing—can lead to more harm than good. If you want your clothes, towels, and linens to last longer and look better, it’s time to rethink how you handle your laundry loads.
Lint Transfer: Why Towels Should Be Washed Separately
According to laundry care expert Taylor Matthews, owner of Sparkling Queens in Savannah, Georgia, washing towels together with clothing is a common mistake that can cost you in the long run. “Towels leave behind lint and loose fibers that cling to other fabrics, especially delicate garments and bed linens,” Matthews told Martha Stewart. This not only makes your clothes look worn out faster, but also reduces their overall softness and appeal.
Different Wash Cycles for Different Needs
Towels are also designed to be washed using a completely different laundry setting. “They should be laundered on a hot water cycle without fabric softeners, and require a more aggressive wash to remove dirt, bacteria, and odor,” Matthews adds. Tossing towels in with everyday clothes can disrupt both the temperature balance and wash efficiency. On top of that, towels retain a lot more moisture and take longer to dry. When combined with lighter fabrics, this uneven drying time can cause some items to shrink or become misshapen.
Towel Weight Can Damage Delicate Fabrics
Home organization and cleaning influencer Stephanie Booth also warns against mixing towels with lighter fabrics. “Towels are much heavier than your average shirt or bedsheet,” she explains. “During the spin cycle, they can twist, stretch, or even tear lighter fabrics, which weakens them over time.” That tugging and pulling action inside the machine leads to premature wear and damage, especially for delicate items.
Hygiene Concerns: Don’t Mix Dirty Towels with Clean Clothes
Another major concern is hygiene. Towels—whether they’re bath towels, kitchen towels, or hand towels—harbor bacteria and germs from regular use. When you throw them in the wash with clothes or bedsheets, you risk transferring that bacteria to otherwise clean items. Keeping towels in their own separate laundry cycle helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures a more hygienic clean for all your fabrics.
Best Practices for Washing Towels
When it’s time to wash your towels, follow these high-efficiency laundry tips for optimal results. Always use hot water to effectively eliminate bacteria and odors. Avoid overloading your machine—too many towels in one load won’t wash or rinse thoroughly, which could leave behind residue. For a natural deodorizer, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the drum along with your detergent. This helps neutralize odors and removes that musty, damp towel smell.
Conclusion: Protect Your Fabrics with Smart Laundry Habits
By separating towels from clothes and linens, you’ll extend the life of your fabrics, improve hygiene, and ensure each item gets the care it needs. These small adjustments in your laundry routine can lead to big savings in the long run, all while keeping your home fresh and clean.