I always try to stay on top of household chores, but laundry is usually the one thing that gets pushed aside. Once the laundry basket starts piling up, it becomes tempting to throw everything into the washer together just to save time. It feels practical—clothes, towels, and linens all tossed in at once, detergent added, and the machine takes care of the rest. But according to cleaning experts, washing towels together with regular clothing may actually do more harm than good.
Taylor Matthews, owner of Sparkling Queens in Savannah, Georgia, explained to Martha Stewart that towels should ideally be washed separately from clothes and bedding. One major reason is lint. Towels naturally shed fibers during washing, and those tiny bits of fluff can cling to clothing, especially delicate fabrics, leaving them looking worn, fuzzy, or older than they really are. Towels also require a different washing process than most clothes. They are best cleaned using hot water and a heavier wash cycle, while many clothing items need gentler care. Since towels are thick and absorbent, they also take much longer to dry. Washing them together with clothes can increase the risk of shrinking lighter fabrics or leaving some items damp.
Another issue is the physical weight of towels. Stephanie Booth, a home cleaning and organization influencer, points out that heavy towels can twist, pull, and stretch delicate garments during the wash cycle. Lightweight fabrics, knitwear, or softer materials can lose their shape or even tear over time when constantly mixed with bulky towels. Even if the damage isn’t obvious right away, repeated washing like this can shorten the lifespan of your favorite clothing items.
Hygiene is another important factor. Towels, especially bath and kitchen towels, tend to hold more bacteria because they stay damp after use. Moisture creates the perfect environment for germs, mildew, and odors to build up. Washing towels separately helps prevent bacteria from transferring onto clothing, bed linens, or other fabrics.
Experts recommend washing towels in hot water to remove bacteria, oils, and trapped residue more effectively. Avoid overloading the washer, since crowded loads prevent towels from getting fully cleaned. Adding a little baking soda can help remove odors, while white vinegar during the rinse cycle can naturally soften towels without reducing absorbency the way fabric softeners often do.
It’s also a good idea to separate towels by color and purpose. Dark towels should be washed with dark colors, while lighter towels should stay with lighter loads to avoid color bleeding. Bath towels, hand towels, and kitchen towels are best washed separately as well, since kitchen towels often carry grease and food residue.
Although separating laundry may seem like extra work, it actually helps preserve your clothes, keeps towels fresher, and improves overall hygiene. Taking a little extra time to sort your laundry properly can make a big difference in keeping fabrics cleaner, softer, and in good condition for much longer.