Bath towel hygiene: How often to wash, how to dry and when to replace it

How often should you wash your daily-used bathing towel? According to dermatologist Dr Shareefa Chause, ideally, towels should be laundered every three to four uses, especially if they remain damp between uses. "Towels used after heavy sweating or by people with skin infections may need more frequent washing," Dr Chause notes. Repeatedly using a damp towel can allow microorganisms to thrive, so regular washing is essential to prevent buildup of sweat, dead skin cells, oils, and bacteria.

While it may be acceptable to use the same towel for a few days if it is completely dried between uses and doesn't develop a musty smell, damp towels can support the growth of harmful microorganisms, particularly for those prone to skin infections or irritation. Proper drying and storage are crucial for maintaining towel hygiene.

Hang a towel fully spread out in a well-ventilated area to ensure it dries completely, rather than remaining bunched up. Avoid keeping damp towels in poorly ventilated bathrooms or inside closed laundry baskets. A persistently damp towel can harbor bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, increasing the risk of infection. As towels wear over time, signs that it's time to replace them include a musty odor even after washing, persistent stains or visible mold, roughness or damage, and difficulty drying.

Those with skin infections should wash towels more frequently and avoid sharing them, following their dermatologist's advice on towel hygiene to prevent recurrence or spread. Each family member should ideally have their own bathing towel, especially when someone has a fungal infection, skin infection, or open sores, to minimize the risk of microorganism transfer.