Are You Over-Washing Towels? Experts Reveal Ideal Laundry Frequency to Avoid Crispiness
You’ve Been Doing Laundry Wrong: How Often to Wash Towels, According to Experts
(Credit: Shivali Best for MailOnline | Updated: 15:07 GMT, 23 February 2025)
We’ve all faced the dilemma: How often should you wash your towels? Experts from Which? have weighed in, revealing that overwashing might be why your towels feel stiff and scratchy. Here’s the definitive guide to keeping your towels fresh and fluffy.
How Often Should You Wash Towels?
The American Cleaning Institute suggests washing towels after 3-5 uses, as long as they dry completely between uses. Which? adds that weekly washes are sufficient for hand towels, especially if you live alone. However, adjust based on these factors:
- Busy households: Wash every few days if you have kids, pets, or shared towels.
- Face towels: Replace after 1-2 uses to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Humid environments: Wash more frequently if towels don’t dry properly.
Why Overwashing Ruins Towels
Overwashing strips towels of their softness, leaving them crispy. Fabric softener exacerbates this by coating fibers, reducing absorbency. Which? advises skipping softener and using less detergent to preserve quality.
How to Revive Scratchy Towels
For stiff towels, try this hack:
- Soak in a mix of 1 cup white vinegar + 4 cups water.
- Rinse, then machine wash at 40°C with a half-empty drum for better movement.
- After washing, shake towels vigorously to fluff fibers.
- Dry on a line, in a tumble dryer, or on a heated clothes airer for quick results.
Pro Tips for Washing
- Avoid fabric softener: It clogs fibers, reducing absorbency.
- Skip high temperatures: 40°C saves energy and prevents damage.
- Don’t overcrowd the machine: Allow towels space to rinse thoroughly.
The Bottom Line
Stick to washin
