How Often Should You Really Be Washing Your Towels?

A towel that dries thoroughly between uses is far less likely to harbor harmful organisms, since most microbes need moisture to thrive. A towel left damp in a humid bathroom or folded while wet creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi. Hang towels in a well-ventilated area outside the bathroom, and if a towel still feels damp after several hours, it's time to wash it.

Good hygiene reduces how much bacteria and fungi transfer from your body to the towel in the first place, meaning it can go a bit longer between washes. Skipping areas or not drying off fully before toweling off means you'll need to wash more often to avoid spreading germs.

If you deal with toenail fungus, athlete's foot, jock itch, warts, eczema, or dermatitis, use a clean towel every time to avoid spreading infection or worsening the condition -- washing after every use is the safer bet here.

Damp, unwashed towels can harbor pathogens like E. coli, which can cause infection if they reach open cuts or lesions. They can also spread cold and flu germs between household members, and in more severe cases harbor drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.

With proper care, bath towels typically last up to two years. Replace them when they lose softness, stop absorbing water as well as they used to, or show visible wear like tears, fraying, or holes -- damaged spots can also harbor more bacteria.

Wash towels in hot water with bleach for the most effective bacteria kill; for colored towels, use a color-safe disinfecting detergent instead. Periodically run an empty hot cycle with bleach to sanitize the washing machine itself. Avoid washing towels with underwear, which can carry bacteria that contaminate the towels, and skip vinegar as a disinfectant -- it isn't strong enough to reliably kill bacteria on fabric.

By paying attention to how your towels dry, your own hygiene habits, and any skin conditions in the household, you can keep towels fresh, clean, and safe -- and know when it's simply time for a new set.