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Experts recommend washing bath towels more often

Dr Primrose Freestone advises laundering bath towels after every two uses to maintain hygiene.

July 20, 2025 at 12:20 PM
blur You're washing your towels wrong! Microbiologist reveals how often you should really clean your bath towels - so, are you doing it enough?

Dr Primrose Freestone emphasizes the need for more frequent towel laundering to maintain hygiene.

Experts recommend washing bath towels more often

Dr Primrose Freestone, a microbiologist at the University of Leicester, advises that bath towels should be washed after every two uses. Many people go months without cleaning their towels, which can lead to a build-up of bacteria and fungi. This accumulation can pose serious health risks, including skin infections and gastrointestinal problems. Professor Freestone states that damp towels create a suitable environment for harmful microbes, which thrive in moisture and warmth. Sharing towels can further escalate the risk of spreading infections, including viral ones such as monkey pox.

Key Takeaways

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Bath towels should be washed after every two uses at most.
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Infected individuals should wash towels after each use.
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A build-up of microbes in towels can lead to skin and gastrointestinal issues.
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Many individuals neglect to wash towels for extended periods.
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Damp environments encourage bacterial and fungal growth on towels.
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Sharing towels increases the risk of spreading infections.

"Dirty towels will make freshly washed skin dirty again, negating the point of washing."

This highlights the importance of regular towel laundering in hygiene practices.

"Bath towels accumulate microorganisms as they contact all areas of the body."

This underscores the potential health risks associated with using dirty towels.

"Hot washes at 140°F kill most bacteria and fungi, reducing infection risks."

This provides practical advice for proper towel washing techniques.

This advice highlights an important but often overlooked aspect of personal hygiene. Many people are unaware of the potential health risks that dirty towels can pose. As the understanding of hygiene evolves, it is clear that maintaining clean towels is essential not just for personal comfort but also for preventing illness. The recommendation from experts could lead to significant changes in household cleaning habits, which may lead to broader implications for public health.

Highlights

  • Clean towels can become breeding grounds for bacteria.
  • The musty smell from towels comes from bacteria and fungi.
  • Never share a bath towel to reduce infection risks.
  • Infections spread quickly through unwashed towels.

Health risks associated with towel hygiene

Neglecting to wash bath towels regularly can lead to a build-up of harmful bacteria, causing skin infections and other health issues. This has significant implications for personal hygiene standards and public health.

With increased awareness, we can all contribute to healthier practices at home.

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