A microbiologist explained how often you need to wash towels (6 photos)

There are so many things to do at home that it’s easy to forget about towels. However, a scientist advises washing these items daily and not risking personal hygiene.





Dr Primrose Freestone, a clinical microbiologist at the University of Leicester, recommends washing towels after a maximum of two uses. For those who shower or bathe once a day, that’s once every two days.

According to the expert, people with infections or weak immune systems should change towels after each use.



“Towels lose their cleanliness after one use. The dirty fabric will stain the skin you just washed, which defeats the purpose of washing,” Freestone noted.

When we dry ourselves with a towel, it deposits thousands of skin cells and millions of microbes. With each use, we peel off another layer of invisible cells and microorganisms, ultimately creating a thriving community.





A study examining the repeated use of dorm bath towels found high levels of bacteria that can cause dangerous infections. These included E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella.

The germs on your towels can cause fever, asthma, skin allergies and infections, and other unpleasant symptoms. Bacteria and fungi love moisture. Towels dry slowly, which allows pathogens to multiply.

"Bath towels are great for harboring germs because they touch every part of the body," explains Professor Freestone. "If towels are used repeatedly and not washed, sweat, skin cells and other body fluids will accumulate on them, creating a fertile, moist and warm environment for bacteria and fungi to grow."



A strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria under a microscope

Towels quickly lose their freshness and acquire an unpleasant smell, reminiscent of damp dog hair.

Professor Freestone said that the musty smell from dirty towels is caused by residue from detergents and conditioners that retain sweat and other bodily fluids. These substances become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which release volatile organic compounds. In simple terms, the smell appears due to the waste products of microorganisms.



Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that appears as spots, bumps or blisters on the skin

Never share a bath towel. This will help reduce the risk of spreading infections. This can lead to, for example, monkeypox. It causes fever, headaches and blisters.

“Bath towels need to be washed more often because they carry more germs than hand towels. But even hand towels accumulate bacteria and fungi when reused. So wash them every three to five days,” she added.



Sharing towels can spread E. coli (pictured)

Wash hand towels and bath towels with detergent at 60°C. Leave them to dry completely before using.

"Hot washing kills most bacteria and fungi, neutralizes viruses and eliminates unpleasant odors from towels. It also ensures safety by eliminating the risk of infection."