Laundering your bath towels frequently keeps them clean and fresh. But consistency is only part of the equation — water temperature matters, too. Let’s make sure you’re using the correct setting when washing yours.
Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot
According to the American Cleaning Institute, bath towels should be washed after every three to five normal uses, assuming they’re hung up to air-dry in between. For a deeper clean, hot water is key. The hotter the temperature, the more effective the water will be at killing microbes, removing body oils, and eliminating odors.
For white towels or deep-sanitizing loads, opt for hot water at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Colored cotton towels are best laundered in warm water — between 104 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit — while microfiber towels require temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to protect the fabric.
If the towels are white, you can add a scoop of oxygen bleach to brighten the fabric and remove organic stains. (Some brands of oxygen bleach are also color-safe.) After washing the towels in hot water, dry them on medium to high heat, then use them three to five times before repeating the process.
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The Drawbacks of Hot Water
The biggest downsides to washing towels in hot water are energy consumption and fabric damage. Heating water increases your utility bills, as it uses far more energy than cold-water cycles. The heat also wears down fabrics more quickly, causing them to shrink, fade, and lose their softness over time.
For these reasons, you may want to consider washing bath towels in warm water (104 t0 120 degrees Fahrenheit). Warm-water cycles use less energy, and although warm water doesn’t kill bacteria, it still flushes them away by dissolving the body oils, sweat, and skin flakes they hitch a ride on. It’s a good idea to use warm water for everyday cleaning and reserve hot water for deep sanitization or when someone in your household is sick.
When washing bath towels, it’s generally best to avoid cold water. While cold water removes superficial stains, saves money, and preserves fabric, it leaves much to be desired when it comes to killing bacteria. If you must use cold water, consider adding a laundry sanitizer during the rinse cycle to eliminate bacteria that cold water leaves behind.
