Why You Should Stop Washing Towels and Clothes Together
Let’s be honest—after a long week, it’s tempting to toss everything into one big laundry load and call it a day. But that “shortcut” often does more harm than good. Mixing towels and clothes may seem efficient, but it can wear out fabrics faster, dull colors, and even transfer bacteria.
I used to do it, too—until my favorite T-shirts came out linty, my towels turned scratchy, and my clothes just didn’t feel fresh anymore. That’s when I started digging into the do’s and don’ts of laundry—and what I found made me change my habits for good.
Why Towels and Clothes Don’t Belong in the Same Load
1. They Have Different Wash Needs
Towels thrive in hot water and longer cycles to remove oils and buildup. Most clothes, especially delicates, prefer cooler water and gentler spins—or they risk shrinking and fading.
2. Towels Leave Lint Behind
Towels shed lint like crazy. When mixed with clothes—especially dark or synthetic ones—you’re left with fuzz-covered fabrics and clogged dryer vents.
3. Fabric Friction Wears Things Out
Towels are tough. Their textured surfaces (and sometimes zippers) can snag or wear down softer garments, causing unnecessary damage over time.
4. Hygiene Gets Compromised
Towels collect sweat, oil, and dead skin cells—making them a hotspot for bacteria. Mixing them with your daily wear? Not ideal, especially if you’re living with kids, seniors, or anyone with a sensitive immune system.
5. They Dry at Different Speeds
Towels take longer to dry than lightweight clothes. When washed together, clothes can overdry while towels remain damp—leading to mildew smells and wasted energy.
6. You’ll Shorten Their Lifespan
Combined loads lead to faster fiber breakdown, stiff towels, and faded fabrics. Separate loads = longer-lasting laundry.
Smart Laundry Tips
Sort by fabric & color – Use hot cycles for towels, cooler ones for clothes
Choose the right detergent – Enzyme-rich for towels, gentle for delicates
Dry separately – Towels on high, clothes on low or medium
Clean your washer monthly – Prevent buildup that affects every load
Skip fabric softener for towels – It coats the fibers and reduces absorbency
✅ Bottom Line
Taking a few extra minutes to separate your laundry can make a world of difference. You’ll enjoy softer towels, fresher clothes, and fewer fabric casualties in the long run. Think of it as a small investment in your wardrobe’s longevity—and your sanity.
Why You Should Stop Washing Towels and Clothes Together
Let’s be honest—after a long week, it’s tempting to toss everything into one big laundry load and call it a day. But that “shortcut” often does more harm than good. Mixing towels and clothes may seem efficient, but it can wear out fabrics faster, dull colors, and even transfer bacteria.
I used to do it, too—until my favorite T-shirts came out linty, my towels turned scratchy, and my clothes just didn’t feel fresh anymore. That’s when I started digging into the do’s and don’ts of laundry—and what I found made me change my habits for good.
Why Towels and Clothes Don’t Belong in the Same Load
1. They Have Different Wash Needs
Towels thrive in hot water and longer cycles to remove oils and buildup. Most clothes, especially delicates, prefer cooler water and gentler spins—or they risk shrinking and fading.
2. Towels Leave Lint Behind
Towels shed lint like crazy. When mixed with clothes—especially dark or synthetic ones—you’re left with fuzz-covered fabrics and clogged dryer vents.
3. Fabric Friction Wears Things Out
Towels are tough. Their textured surfaces (and sometimes zippers) can snag or wear down softer garments, causing unnecessary damage over time.
4. Hygiene Gets Compromised
Towels collect sweat, oil, and dead skin cells—making them a hotspot for bacteria. Mixing them with your daily wear? Not ideal, especially if you’re living with kids, seniors, or anyone with a sensitive immune system.
5. They Dry at Different Speeds
Towels take longer to dry than lightweight clothes. When washed together, clothes can overdry while towels remain damp—leading to mildew smells and wasted energy.
6. You’ll Shorten Their Lifespan
Combined loads lead to faster fiber breakdown, stiff towels, and faded fabrics. Separate loads = longer-lasting laundry.
Smart Laundry Tips
Sort by fabric & color – Use hot cycles for towels, cooler ones for clothes
Choose the right detergent – Enzyme-rich for towels, gentle for delicates
Dry separately – Towels on high, clothes on low or medium
Clean your washer monthly – Prevent buildup that affects every load
Skip fabric softener for towels – It coats the fibers and reduces absorbency
✅ Bottom Line
Taking a few extra minutes to separate your laundry can make a world of difference. You’ll enjoy softer towels, fresher clothes, and fewer fabric casualties in the long run. Think of it as a small investment in your wardrobe’s longevity—and your sanity.
