Tossing towels and clothes into the same wash may feel convenient, but it’s a laundry habit that does more harm than good. Separating them is key to keeping both fresher, softer, and longer-lasting.
Towels, which collect sweat, oils, and bacteria, need hot water, heavy-duty cycles, and stronger agitation to truly sanitize. Everyday clothes, however, can shrink, fade, or lose shape under these harsh settings. Mixing them means your clothes wear out faster.
Lint is another issue. Towels shed heavily in the wash, and that lint clings to t-shirts, pants, and sweaters, leaving them fuzzy and old-looking. Towels also act rough on delicate fabrics—snagging zippers, threads, and lace.
The hygiene factor matters too. Used towels often carry bacteria or fungi from bathrooms. Washing them with underwear or children’s clothes can cause cross-contamination, especially risky for babies or the elderly.
Finally, towels dry much slower than clothes, causing uneven drying and wasted energy. By separating loads, you protect fabrics, improve hygiene, and even save money.
A little extra sorting goes a long way—your laundry (and wallet) will thank you.
