Can you wash towels with clothes? It’s a common question that many people have when doing laundry. The answer is more than a simple yes or no, as it depends on a few factors. In this article, we’ll explore the topic and provide the information you need to know to make the best decision for your laundry needs.
First, we’ll examine the pros and cons of washing towels with clothes together. We’ll also discuss what the experts say about the matter and provide tips on properly washing your towels and clothes.
Additionally, we’ll cover mistakes to avoid when washing towels and clothes together and answer some frequently asked questions.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Can You Wash Towels With Clothes Together?
While washing towels with clothes together may be tempting, it’s generally not advised. So, why isn’t it advised to wash towels with clothes together? The general rule is to wash similar items together to ensure they are cleaned effectively and prevent damage. While tossing everything in the same load may be tempting to save time, it’s important to consider the potential risks.
It’s best to wash similar items together based on their material, color, and wash settings when it comes to laundry. This helps prevent colors from bleeding into one another and ensures that each item is cleaned effectively. But can you wash towels with clothes together in the same load?
While washing towels with clothes may be convenient, fast, and efficient, it’s generally not advised by some manufacturers. This is because towels are often made of a different material than clothes, such as terry cloth, which can shed lint and fibers.
This can cause damage to delicate clothing items or leave lint residue on them. Additionally, towels may harbor bacteria, which can spread to clothes during the wash cycle.
Related: Can You Wash Cashmere By Hand?
What Is the Best Way to Wash Towels and Sheets?
Washing towels and sheets regularly removes dirt, stains, and odors and kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Additionally, it helps to restore their softness, fluffiness, and absorbency. Here are some general tips for washing towels and sheets:
- Check the care labels for the recommended wash settings. The labels usually provide information on the appropriate wash temperature, washing cycle, and drying method. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Use cool or warm water and mild detergent. Hot water can shrink and fade the fabric, while harsh detergents can damage the fibers and reduce their absorbency. Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent that is suitable for your skin type.
- Avoid fabric softener, bleach, or dryer sheets. These products can leave a residue on the fabric, making it less absorbent and more prone to odors. Instead, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften the fabric and remove any detergent residue.
- Air-dry them or tumble-dry them on low heat. High heat can damage the fibers and reduce their absorbency, so it’s best to air dry your towels and sheets if possible. If you need to use a dryer, set it to a low or medium heat setting and remove the fabric as soon as it is dry.
Should Towels Be Washed Separately?
When washing towels, you might wonder if washing them separately from your other laundry is necessary. The short answer is yes, you should wash towels separately from clothes and other linens. But why is that?
For one, towels shed lint and fibers, which can stick to your other clothes and linens during the wash cycle. Also, towels are often heavily soiled with dirt, sweat, and bacteria, which can spread germs to your other laundry and spread germs.
So, when should you wash towels separately? Washing shared towels, heavily soiled towels, or infected towels separately is recommended to sanitize them at high temperatures (around 130°F) for hygiene reasons.
Now that you know why it’s important to wash towels separately, let’s go over the steps to do so properly.
Steps for Washing Towels Separately from Other Items:
Step 1: Sort your towels by color (white, light, dark) and material (cotton, bamboo, etc.).
Step 2: Load your washer with one color or material group of towels at a time.
Step 3: Add detergent, vinegar, or baking soda for extra cleaning power.
Step 4: Set your washer to the hottest temperature the care label allows, or 130°F if possible.
Step 5: Run a normal or heavy-duty cycle depending on how dirty your towels are.
These steps ensure your towels are properly cleaned and sanitized without damaging your other laundry. If you’re concerned about dye transfer, bleeding, or discoloration, use color-safe bleach or wash similar colors together to prevent mishaps.
Read: Can you wash silk in a washing machine?
Drying Clothes and Towels
After washing your clothes and towels, the next step is to dry them. There are different methods to dry them, but the best way depends on the type of fabric, the weather, and your preference. Here are some tips to help you dry your clothes and towels effectively:
- Air dry them in a cool, dry, or sunny place. This method is eco-friendly, free, and gentle on the fabric. Hang them on a clothesline, drying rack, or hanger. Shake them out before hanging them to remove wrinkles and improve airflow. If you live in a humid or rainy area, it may take longer to dry them, so be patient.
- Tumble dry them on low heat if necessary. This method is faster and more convenient than air drying but can be costly and harsh on the fabric if you use high heat. Use your dryer’s low or delicate setting to avoid shrinkage, fading, or damage. Also, avoid overloading the dryer, as it can reduce the effectiveness of the airflow and prolong the drying time.
- Fluff them by hand or with a comb or brush to restore their softness and fluffiness. This step is optional but recommended, especially for towels and blankets. Gently shake or pat them to loosen the fibers and remove clumps or wrinkles. You can also use a soft-bristled brush or comb to fluff up the nap and make them look and feel like new.
To avoid common mistakes when drying your clothes and towels, keep these tips in mind:
- Do not use high heat or over-dry them, as it can damage their fabric and filling. High heat can shrink, fade, or weaken the fibers and reduce their lifespan. Also, over-drying can make them brittle, rough, or less absorbent, which defeats the purpose of washing them.
- Do not use dryer sheets or fabric softener as it can reduce their absorbency and leave residue on them. These products contain chemicals that can coat the fibers and clog the pores, making them less effective in absorbing moisture. Also, they can leave a waxy or oily film on the fabric, which can attract dirt and bacteria.
- Do not leave them damp, as it can cause mold and mildew growth on them. This is especially true for towels and clothes that are thick, heavy, or have a high pile. Dry them thoroughly before storing them, and avoid leaving them in a damp or humid place for too long. If you notice any musty or sour smell, wash them again with vinegar or baking soda to remove the odor.
Mistakes To Avoid
When washing towels and clothes together, people make some common mistakes. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Washing towels and clothes together without sorting them by material, color, and wash settings
Sorting your items before washing them is crucial to prevent damage, fading, shrinking, or lint transfer. Separating your towels and clothes by material, color, and wash settings. For example, wash your dark clothes with other dark clothes and your white towels with other white towels.
Mistake 2: Washing towels and clothes together at high temperature without checking the care labels
Before washing your towels and clothes, always check the care labels for the recommended wash temperature for each item. Washing your items at high temperatures can cause damage, fading, shrinking, or melting.
Mistake 3: Washing towels and clothes together with fabric softener, bleach, or dryer sheets
Using fabric softener, bleach, or dryer sheets can reduce the absorbency of your towels and leave residue on your clothes. It’s best to use mild detergent only for your towels and clothes.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can keep your towels and clothes looking and feeling their best. Always check the care labels and sort your items before washing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can towels be washed with other clothes?
Yes, towels can be washed with other clothes, but some things must be considered. First, make sure to separate colors to prevent bleeding. Second, avoid washing towels with delicate fabrics that may snag or tear.
Is it okay to wash towels and white clothes together?
It is generally not recommended to wash towels and white clothes together. Towels can release lint and colors that can stain white clothes. If you wash them together, use a color-safe bleach and avoid high temperatures.
What temperature should towels be washed at?
Towels should be washed at least 140°F (60°C) to kill bacteria and remove dirt effectively. However, make sure to check the care label of your towels for specific instructions.
Should you wash towels in hot water?
Hot water can be used to wash towels, but it is not always necessary. Hot water can damage delicate fabrics and cause shrinkage. Using warm water is usually sufficient for cleaning towels.
Can towels and clothes be dried together?
Yes, towels and clothes can be dried together, but use the appropriate drying temperature. High heat can damage some fabrics and cause shrinkage. Use a low or medium heat setting for best results.
What should you not wash with towels?
Avoid washing towels with items that may snag or tear, such as clothing with zippers or hooks. Also, avoid washing towels with delicate fabrics that the rough texture of towels may damage. Finally, avoid washing towels with items that may release lint or colors, such as jeans or dark-colored clothing.
