TowelHub Blog

Laundry day often brings up the question: Can towels be washed with clothes? Combining different fabrics in one load might seem like an efficient way to save time and water, but it can actually lead to fabric damage, bacteria transfer, and reduced towel absorbency. Towels and clothing require different washing conditions, making separate cycles essential for preserving softness, durability, and hygiene.

Businesses handling large volumes of wholesale bath towels, wholesale gym towels, or wholesale pool towels must follow proper washing techniques to maintain quality. Effective laundering not only extends the lifespan of towels but also keeps them clean, fresh, and highly absorbent. We explores whether towels should be washed with clothes, highlights potential risks, and provides expert advice on the best laundry practices for maintaining high-quality towels and garments.

Why Towels Should Be Washed Separately

Fabric Differences Can Cause Damage

Towels are made of thicker, more absorbent materials like cotton, while clothes are often lighter and more delicate. Washing these fabrics together can lead to excessive friction, causing wear and tear. Towels produce more lint, which can stick to clothing, making fabrics look fuzzy and worn over time.

For businesses that stock wholesale bath robes or wholesale salon towels, washing them separately prevents pilling and fiber shedding, keeping both towels and clothing in top condition. Delicate garments, such as silk or synthetic fabrics, can suffer from the rough texture of towels rubbing against them, leading to premature damage.

Hygiene and Bacteria Concerns

Towels are designed to absorb moisture, which makes them more likely to harbor bacteria, mold, and mildew if not washed properly. Washing towels with clothes can transfer germs and odors to everyday garments, reducing cleanliness. Towels also require a hotter wash cycle to remove bacteria effectively, while clothing often needs a gentler wash to maintain its quality.

Businesses that handle wholesale gym towels or wholesale beach towels must prioritize hygienic washing methods to prevent the spread of bacteria. Gym towels, in particular, absorb sweat and can accumulate bacteria quickly, making it essential to wash them separately with hot water and disinfecting detergents.

Best Laundry Practices for Washing Towels

Wash Towels in Hot Water for Better Cleaning

Hot water helps break down oils, bacteria, and residue trapped in towel fibers. Most towels, especially wholesale bath towels and wholesale hand towels, should be washed at a temperature of at least 130°F (54°C) to ensure deep cleaning. This is particularly important for towels used in high-traffic areas like hotels, spas, and gyms, where frequent use increases bacterial buildup.

However, always check the care labels before washing, as some towels—like decorative or microfiber towels—may require warm water instead of hot to prevent shrinkage and fabric damage. Using the right temperature ensures better hygiene and extends the life of your towels.

Use the Right Detergent and Avoid Fabric Softeners

Choose a mild, high-quality detergent that effectively cleans towels without damaging their fibers. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they leave a residue that reduces towel absorbency over time. Instead, add white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften towels naturally and remove detergent buildup.

For businesses handling wholesale bath robes and wholesale salon towels, maintaining soft, absorbent towels is essential for customer comfort. Using the right detergents and washing methods ensures towels remain fluffy and fresh without becoming stiff or coated in residue.

Dry Towels Separately for Better Absorbency

Drying towels with clothes can lead to uneven drying and static buildup. Towels take longer to dry because of their thick, absorbent material, while clothes dry faster, resulting in over-dried garments or damp towels. Drying them separately allows towels to fluff up properly, maintaining their plush texture.

If using a dryer, set it to medium or high heat, depending on the towel fabric. Adding dryer balls can help prevent clumping, speed up drying, and maintain softness. For wholesale beach towels and wholesale pool towels, air drying in sunlight can also help kill bacteria and remove lingering odors.

When Is It Okay to Wash Towels with Clothes?

Same-Color, Lightweight Loads

If you must wash towels with clothes, ensure that both are lightweight, similar in color, and made from durable fabrics. For example, small hand towels or washcloths may be washed with sturdy cotton T-shirts or pajamas, as long as they require the same washing temperature and detergent type. Avoid washing dark-colored towels with light-colored clothes to prevent color bleeding and staining.

Quick Refresh Loads

In cases where towels are only lightly used, such as guest towels or decorative hand towels, they can be washed with similar-colored clothing in cold or warm water. However, this method should only be used for occasional refresh washes and not for deeply soiled towels, which require a separate, thorough cleaning cycle.

Common Laundry Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading the Washing Machine

Stuffing too many towels and clothes in one load reduces the washing machine’s ability to rinse and clean properly. Towels need room to circulate in the drum, so avoid cramming too many items into a single wash cycle. Overloading leads to uneven detergent distribution and improper cleaning, leaving towels feeling stiff or dirty even after washing.

Using Too Much Detergent

Excess detergent can cause buildup on towels, making them less absorbent and rough. Stick to the recommended amount of detergent and occasionally run a wash cycle with vinegar and baking soda to remove any residue and restore softness.

Skipping Regular Deep Cleaning

Towels should be deep-cleaned every few months using a hot wash with vinegar or baking soda to remove oils, detergent buildup, and bacteria. This helps maintain their freshness and absorbency, ensuring they last longer.

Conclusion

Washing towels with clothes may seem convenient, but keeping them separate helps maintain hygiene, fabric quality, and absorbency. Towels need hotter water, different detergents, and specific drying techniques to remain soft, fresh, and effective.

Businesses handling wholesale bath towels, wholesale salon towels, or wholesale gym towels benefit from proper washing techniques to preserve cleanliness and durability. Using the best laundry practices keeps both towels and clothing in excellent condition, ensuring a more efficient and effective washing process.