The Truth About Washing Towels and Clothes Together

Athletic wear

✔ You’re Washing in Warm (Not Hot) Water
If the load doesn’t require sanitizing heat, combining may work.

✔ The Towels Are Not Heavily Soiled
Lightly used bath towels are less risky than gym or kitchen towels.

When You Should NOT Wash Them Together
Avoid mixing if:

✘ The Towels Are Very Dirty
Kitchen towels or gym towels should be washed separately for hygiene reasons.

✘ You Need a High-Temperature Wash
If towels require hot water but your clothes don’t, separate them.

✘ You’re Washing Delicates
Towel fibers create friction that can damage:

Lace

Silk

Rayon

Thin knits

✘ You Want to Avoid Lint Transfer
Dark clothes and synthetic fabrics attract lint easily.

✘ The Towels Are New
New towels shed the most lint during the first several washes.

The Hygiene Myth: Do Towels Spread Germs to Clothes?
One common concern is bacterial transfer.

Here’s what actually happens: