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Towels harbor millions of microbes-here's how often to wash them
Bath towels accumulate bacteria, fungi, and viruses from skin, air, and even toilet flushes. Experts say weekly washing is ideal, but circumstances may require more frequent laundering.
Why towels become breeding grounds for bacteria
Towels absorb moisture from skin, creating an environment where microbes thrive. Studies show they quickly collect bacteria like Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli, as well as gut bacteria such as Salmonella and Shigella. Airborne fungi and bacteria also settle on damp fibers.
A Japanese study found that reusing bathwater for laundry transferred bacteria to towels, while flushing toilets can spray microscopic waste particles onto nearby towels. Over time, biofilms form, dulling fabric and increasing microbial load.
Are towel bacteria dangerous?
Most skin bacteria are harmless or beneficial, but some-like opportunistic pathogens-can cause infections if they enter cuts or are transferred to the mouth, nose, or eyes. Elizabeth Scott, a microbiologist at Simmons University, notes that towels can spread gastroenteric illnesses, including norovirus and E. coli.
Viruses like COVID-19 and monkeypox can survive on cotton for hours or days, though surface transmission is rare for respiratory viruses. Human papillomaviruses, which cause warts, may also spread via shared towels.
"Anything harmful on a towel likely came from a human. Our skin is a barrier, but drying disrupts it, increasing infection risks," Scott said.
Elizabeth Scott, Simmons University
How often should towels be washed?
Experts recommend washing bath towels weekly at 40-60°C (104-140°F) with antimicrobial detergent. Hand towels, especially in kitchens, may need more frequent laundering due to higher contamination risks. A study in India found 20% of respondents washed towels twice weekly.
Jean-Yves Maillard, a microbiologist at Cardiff University, links home hygiene to antibiotic resistance. "Preventing infections reduces antibiotic use," he said. For lower-temperature washes, bleach or enzyme-based detergents improve disinfection.
Targeted hygiene: When to wash more often
"Targeted hygiene" adjusts practices based on risk. Sick household members should use separate towels laundered daily. Sun-drying and disinfectants further reduce microbial loads, per an Indian study.
Scott compares hygiene to the "Swiss cheese model": each preventive measure, like washing towels, blocks pathogen transmission. "It's altruistic-protecting yourself protects others," she said.
Environmental trade-offs
Frequent hot washes consume energy and water. Alternatives include lower-temperature cycles with bleach or sun-drying, which kills bacteria naturally.
