The Untold Truth About Washing Towels and Clothes Together
🧺 Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Wash Towels and Clothes Together
Let’s face it—when laundry piles up, the easy route is to toss everything into one big load and hit “start.” It feels efficient, but that habit might be doing more harm than you realize. Combining towels and clothes can lead to lint-covered garments, scratchy towels, and even poor hygiene.
I used to mix them all the time—until my soft shirts turned rough, my towels lost their fluff, and everything smelled a bit… off. So I did a little research, and the results convinced me to rethink my laundry routine for good.
đźš« Why Towels and Clothes Should Go in Separate Loads
1. Different Cleaning Needs
Towels need hot water and longer cycles to break down body oils and buildup. Clothes—especially delicate fabrics—prefer cool or warm water with gentle spin cycles to avoid shrinking, fading, or stretching.
2. Towels Are Lint Monsters
Towels shed tons of lint. Mix them with clothing (especially dark or synthetic items), and your fresh laundry could come out covered in fuzz. Not fun—and not good for your dryer either.
3. Towels Are Rougher on Fabrics
Towels are thick and heavy. Their texture—and any zippers or seams—can rub against clothes during washing, wearing down softer materials and causing snags or pilling.
4. Hygiene Risks
Towels absorb sweat, oils, and dead skin—making them breeding grounds for bacteria. Washing them with everyday clothes can lead to cross-contamination, which is particularly concerning for babies, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
5. Uneven Drying Times
Towels are bulky and take longer to dry. When dried with lighter garments, your clothes may overdry (and shrink or stiffen), while towels stay damp, increasing the risk of musty odors.
6. Fabric Damage Over Time
The wrong wash combo can shorten the life of both towels and clothes. You’ll end up with faded T-shirts, rough towels, and a faster trip back to the store for replacements.
đź’ˇ Tips for Better Laundry Habits
- Sort smartly – Separate by fabric type and color
- Temperature matters – Hot water for towels, cool or warm for clothes
- Use the right detergent – Enzymes for towels, mild for delicates
- Dry separately – Towels on high; clothes on a gentler heat
- Avoid softeners on towels – They coat fibers and reduce absorbency
- Clean your washer regularly – It keeps every load fresher
âś… The Takeaway
Spending a few extra minutes sorting your laundry can extend the life of your clothes and towels—and keep everything feeling cleaner, softer, and fresher. A little extra effort now means fewer laundry frustrations later. Your wardrobe (and your future self) will thank you.
