If you’ve ever wondered how often should you wash towels, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most searched laundry questions—and one of the most misunderstood.

Towels may look clean after a few uses, but moisture, skin cells, and bacteria build up quickly. Washing too often wastes time and energy, while washing too little can cause odors, irritation, and hygiene issues.

So… How Often Should You Wash Towels?

The general rule: Wash bath towels every 3–4 uses.

If your towel doesn’t fully dry between uses, or your bathroom stays humid, lean closer to every 2–3 uses.

Why Towels Need Frequent Washing

Towels absorb more than just water. They also collect:

• Dead skin cells
• Body oils
• Bathroom humidity
• Odor-causing bacteria (especially when towels stay damp)

Towel Washing Frequency by Type

• Bath towels: Every 3–4 uses
• Hand towels: Every 1–2 days (more hands = more buildup)
• Washcloths: After every use
• Gym towels: After every use (sweat = faster odor)
• Beach towels: After each day of use

Signs You’re Not Washing Towels Often Enough

If your towels:

• Smell musty even after washing
• Feel stiff, waxy, or greasy
• Stop absorbing water well
• Cause skin irritation

…it’s usually a mix of bacteria growth and detergent buildup—not just “old towels.”

How to Wash Towels Properly (This Matters)

1) Use the right water temperature

Warm or hot water typically works best for towels, but always follow the care label to avoid fiber damage.

2) Don’t overuse detergent

Too much detergent can trap oils in the fibers and make towels smell worse over time. If your towels feel coated, try using a bit less detergent.

3) Skip fabric softener

Fabric softener can coat towel fibers and reduce absorbency, which also makes it easier for odors to stick around.

4) Dry thoroughly

Damp towels are the #1 reason for mildew smells. Make sure towels dry completely before folding or hanging them back up.

What About Sensitive Skin or Allergies?

If someone in the household has sensitive skin, towel hygiene matters even more. Cleaner, fully rinsed towels can help reduce irritation from buildup and residues.

When a Wash & Fold Laundry Service Helps

If towels pile up fast (busy households, kids, gym routines, etc.), outsourcing towels can keep things consistent. A quality service can wash towels separately, dry them fully, and return them folded and ready to put away.

Final Takeaway

How often should you wash towels? Aim for every 3–4 uses for bath towels, and more frequently for hand towels and washcloths. If towels still smell “off,” frequency isn’t the only issue—your washing and drying process matters just as much.

FAQ: Washing Towels

Can you wash towels once a week?

Yes, if each towel is used only once and fully dries between uses. Otherwise, weekly washing may lead to odor buildup.

Is it okay to wash towels with clothes?

It’s usually better to wash towels separately for hygiene and lint control—especially if someone in the home has sensitive skin.

Why do towels smell even after washing?

Common causes include detergent buildup, not drying thoroughly, and washing in water that’s too cool to break down oils effectively.