At first glance, washing towels with your regular clothes seems like an efficient way to tackle laundry day. However, this common practice can actually create more problems than it solves. The fundamental differences between how towels and clothes need to be cleaned make them poor washing machine companions.
Towels demand hot water and a longer wash cycle to properly remove oils, bacteria, and soap residue from their thick fibers. Most clothing items, on the other hand, require cooler temperatures and gentler handling to maintain their shape and color. When you wash them together, one will always suffer – either your towels won’t get clean enough or your clothes will get worn out prematurely.
The lint that towels produce is another major issue. Those tiny fibers will migrate to every other item in the load, leaving your clothes looking fuzzy and dull. This is especially noticeable on dark fabrics and synthetic materials that seem to attract lint like magnets. The abrasiveness of towel fibers can also cause pilling on delicate fabrics over multiple washes.
For optimal cleanliness and fabric care, it’s best to give towels their own dedicated wash cycle with hot water and a good detergent. Your clothes – and your towels – will thank you for it in the long run.
