That time-saving laundry hack you’ve been using might actually be costing you more in the long run. While tossing towels in with your regular clothes seems efficient, this common practice can lead to damaged fabrics, inefficient cleaning, and even hygiene issues. The reality is that towels and clothing have fundamentally different care requirements that make them poor washing companions.
Consider what towels go through – they absorb water, body oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria daily. They need hot water and strong detergent action to get truly clean, conditions that would damage or shrink most clothing items. On the flip side, washing towels on gentle cycles meant for clothes leaves them less than fresh. The lint shedding is another concern – that fuzzy coating on your dark clothes after washing likely came from your towels transferring lint during the cycle.
The differences continue into the drying phase. Towels retain significantly more water than clothes, meaning they need longer drying times. When mixed with clothes, you’re left choosing between overdrying your garments or ending up with damp towels that can develop mildew. By giving towels their own wash cycle with hot water and thorough rinsing, you’ll extend the life of both your linens and wardrobe while ensuring everything gets properly clean.
