Six ways you're mistreating your bath towels

Bath towels are the constant subjects of the “toss to the side and leave in a damp heap” manoeuvre. Which is why they may be getting dingy and worn before their time. 

Changing the treatment of your towels will ensure they feel fresher and last longer. 

Are you guilty of any of these habits? 

1. Hanging two towels on one hook or rack 

Hanging one towel off a hook isn’t the worst thing you could do to your towel, although hanging it over a towel rack is better for it. But hanging two towels off the same towel hook, is not to be advised. Moisture gets trapped between the layers and encourages the growth of bacteria and mould.

The same goes for towel racks; one towel per rack, try not to overlap them. 

2. Not washing your towel enough

Washing towels too often will make them wear out faster, but not washing them enough will make them a breeding ground for bacteria; and no one wants to dry themselves with a dirty towel. 

About every three days is right, according to Carolyn Forte, director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute in New York. 

3. Using the same towel too frequently

This one is a bit of common sense; more towels means each towel is used less, washed less frequently and will therefore have a longer life. 

4. Washing with too much detergent

The package recommendation for amount of laundry powder is all you need to put into the washing machine. It may be tempting to add a bit more in, but this is simply inviting the excess powder to stick to the towel, leaving it stiff and scratchy. 

5. The washing machine water is not hot enough

It’s easy to chuck the towels in a cold wash to save a bit of water and power. Check the tag to ensure you are washing your towels in hot enough water to kill germs and bacteria. 

6. Your don’t shake them before drying

You probably shake your clothes out before hanging them out to dry; to get rid of wrinkles. If you do the same with your towels it will help them stay fluffy. 

This story was first published at Stuff.co.nz