How Often Should You Wash Towels and Bed Sheets?
Towels, which absorb skin cells and microbes, need to be washed every few days, especially since they retain moisture for longer, encouraging bacterial growth. Similarly, bed sheets generally require weekly washing unless daily activities call for more frequent cleaning.
Washing Towels and Bed Sheets
Opinions widely vary on how often towels and bed sheets should be washed. Some debate whether a few days or a few weeks is the ideal interval.
A survey in the UK revealed that nearly half of single men admitted to not washing their bed sheets for up to 4 months.
Since towels and sheets serve different purposes, they require distinct washing schedules. Sheets can generally be washed every one to two weeks, whereas towels should be washed more frequently, ideally every 3 to 4 days.
The Importance of Washing Towels
When you dry yourself with a towel, you deposit thousands of skin cells and millions of microbes on it. Additionally, towels, made from thicker material than sheets, tend to stay wet longer. As a result, damp towels become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Although mold may not be visible, it can lead to unpleasant odors. Moreover, exposure to microbes in towels and sheets can cause asthma, allergic skin irritation, or other skin infections.
Ideal Washing Practices
For bed sheets, the frequency depends on factors such as whether you shower before going to bed or lie down after a long, sweaty day followed by a morning shower. In the latter case, sheets need to be washed more regularly, ideally once a week or every two weeks.
As for towels, it’s better to wash them more frequently, every few days. A face towel should be cleaned after each use, as it becomes thoroughly wet, stays damp longer, and accumulates more skin cells and microbes.
Therefore, wash your towels at a high temperature, such as 65 °C, to kill many microbes. Alternatively, use a lower temperature and add a cup of vinegar to the wash, as vinegar kills microbes and prevents bad odors.
