Even though bath towels are personal products that are used on a daily basis, the cleanliness is sometimes taken for granted. Dirty towels have the potential to spread bacteria that lead to a number of health issues. So, how frequently should we replace our bathroom towels?

Frequency of washing and changing towels

Bathing is how we clean ourselves of dirt and bacteria that attach to our bodies. After a shower, you feel refreshed and clean after drying off with a towel.

It is possible that you mistakenly think that towels require infrequent washing due to their primary function of drying damp bodies. But actually, bath towels contain various microorganisms that can affect your health.

It is important to use a clean towel, as it frequently comes into contact with all areas of the body, from head to toe. Towels can be contaminated with many kinds of items that might lead to infection, including:

• Skin bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA)
• Bacteria in feces (E. coli, C. diff, and norovirus)
• Bacterial and viral pathogens that cause conjunctivitis
• Fungus that causes athlete's foot and ringworm

Read more: How Often Does Bra Need To Be Washed?

Dermatologists recommend washing towels after each use to avoid bacteria and fungus from forming on wet towels. However, you can wash it after 2-3 usages as long as you fully dry the towel after each use. The more thoroughly you dry your towels, the less probable bacteria will grow on them.

The frequency with which you wash and change your towels depends on a variety of factors, including weather, daily activities, and your health. Some situations may require you to wash and replace towels more frequently, such as:

• Towels that have been exposed to bodily fluids, such as perspiration, should be washed after each usage.
• Towels stored in the bathroom that are typically damp and not totally dry should be cleansed after each use.
• If you have eczema or sensitive skin, always wash your towels after each use to avoid further discomfort.

Read more: How To Wash Baby Clothing So As Not To Trigger Skin Irritation

Tips for Washing and Caring for Towels

To keep your towels clean, consider the following options:

• Avoid placing wet towels in the dirty clothes hamper. It is advisable to hang damp towels to dry before placing them in the pile of dirty laundry.
• To clear germs more effectively, wash towels in hot water with detergent or according to the washing directions.
• If necessary, use vinegar, extra detergent, or bleach to remove stains and germs from the towels.
• If you use a washing machine, don't wash too many towels so that the machine can function properly.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
• Dry in the sun or in a dry environment with sufficient air circulation.
• Avoid sharing towels with others.

It is important to keep towels clean. Using musty-smelling towels exposes your body to unpleasant scents and increases the chance of developing fungal diseases. Aside from mold, you are also susceptible to contamination by other pathogens that cause health problems.

It is preferable to wash towels at least twice a week and replace them as soon as they lose absorbency, become moldy, or are no longer acceptable for usage. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more tips and tricks for health, first aid, and home remedies? Click here!