It might seem like a time-saving trick—tossing your towels in with your regular laundry. But mixing towels with clothes in the washing machine is a habit worth breaking. Here’s why.

1. Towels Need a Different Wash Cycle

Towels are thick and highly absorbent, which means they need a longer, hotter wash to get fully clean. Most clothes, especially delicates, require a gentler cycle. Washing them together often leads to under-washed towels or over-washed clothes—neither of which is ideal.

2. Lint Transfer Is a Real Problem

Towels shed a lot of lint, especially newer ones. When washed with clothes—particularly darker garments or synthetics—this lint can stick and create a messy, fuzzy nightmare. It’s a recipe for frustration, especially if you have to rewash everything.

3. Clothes Can Get Damaged

Zippers, buttons, and embellishments on clothing can snag or wear down your towels over time. On the flip side, the heavy texture of towels can cause pilling or stretch out lighter fabrics. It’s a rough mix—literally.

4. Hygiene Matters

Towels are used to dry your body, face, and sometimes even your pets. They harbor more bacteria, sweat, and dead skin cells than your everyday clothes. Mixing them means you’re potentially spreading those germs to items you wear close to your skin.

5. Uneven Drying

Towels are bulky and retain a lot of water, which makes them take longer to dry. If they’re tossed in with thin clothing, you’ll either end up with soggy towels or overdried, shrunken clothes. Either way, your dryer works harder and your fabrics suffer.

The Bottom Line

Washing towels and clothes separately isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about protecting your laundry, extending the life of your fabrics, and keeping things truly fresh. For best results, wash towels on their own using hot water, a proper detergent, and a full rinse cycle.

Your wardrobe (and your nose) will thank you.