In a normal week, most families will use about two sets of towels per person, with each set consisting of a bath towel, a hand towel and a washcloth. This will vary based on how often you choose to launder your towels.
We would recommend everyone in the home having their own set of towels, made up of at least 2 hand towels, 2 bath towels and 2 bath sheets. This can vary slightly, particularly the larger sized towels.
The grand total of towels needed for a family of four is eight bath towels, twelve hand towels, and 28 washcloths. For guest towels , add four bath and four hand towels per person, plus 14 washcloths (if you're hosting for a week).
she wrote: “a bed requires only two sets of sheets, period – one to wash, and one to wear. the rule of twos applies to towels as well: two bath towels, two hand towels and two washcloths per family member. (have some extras for guests, but not too many.)”
Ultimately, though, when a towel's threads begin to pull—or you notice a lingering odor, despite a careful wash—it's time to toss it; you can expect body and hand towels to last between two to five years depending on their quality. Wash cloths, on the other hand, should be replaced every one or two years, notes Winch.
How often should I wash my bath towels? Dead skin cells, bacteria, and even sweat can accumulate quickly on your towels, so using a fresh one about every three days is a simple rule of thumb—for all kinds of towels. You can of course change them more often.
In summary, the number of towels you need depends on several factors, including the size of your household, your laundry routine, and your personal preferences. However, as a general guideline, you should have at least one bath towel per person, two hand towels per bathroom, and two washcloths per person.
The same rule of thumb for sheets also applies to towels. So, each person in your household should have three towel sets. Add another three sets per guest. Of course, this will also depend on how long overnight guests are staying.
Don't just leave your wet towels lying around after use or hang them on a hook somewhere, or throw them into the washing machine. The host may have a rule of his own to wash the towels according to the type. Either throw your towel in the laundry basket or ask the host. Be careful not to use your imagination here.
Because bacteria and even mildew can be easily transferred through an overused towel, “You should use a separate towel for your face, and another one to dry your body after a shower,” Sobel says. “The products you put on your body, such as fragrances and hair products, should not also come in contact with your face.”
When towels are too old, they are no longer effective. They don't dry you thoroughly and are likely home to unseen germs and bacteria. How do you know when you should be replacing towels? In general, experts advise you should get new ones every two years.
Can I reuse a towel after one use? It's OK to reuse a towel a few times before you wash and dry -- and it's better for the environment, too. Reusing towels a few times is better for the environment and likely won't be a cause for alarm.
Luxury bath towels can run close to $100—but you don't have to spend that much. You can find quality bath towel options that tick all our boxes for $40 or less. The key is knowing the difference between a low-cost, low-quality option and an affordable, high-quality one, which you now know thanks to our handy tips.
When choosing a bath towel color, consider your personal style and the mood you want to create in your bathroom. Soft, muted colors such as lavender, light green, and baby blue create a calming atmosphere, while bright, bold colors like red and orange energize the space.
It may surprise you to learn that bath towels should be washed after every 3-4 uses to keep them hygienic, according to our experts at the GHI. And for towels used at the gym, we recommend washing after every use; not only are your gym towels covered in sweat, but they can also come into contact with airborne bacteria.
The optimal shower
Experts typically recommend showering several days a week. The decision is personal, but knowing your body and routine is key. Showering every day is not bad for you (yay!), and showering every other day or even a couple of times a week isn't either.
"If you or others are using a blanket every day, you may want to wash it once a week or once every other week," says Dr. Engelmen. "But blankets that aren't coming into contact with the skin's oils and bacteria may only need a wash every month or so to eliminate things like dust and pet dander."
Most hotel rooms are occupied by one or two people, so two or three towels makes sense. If you are renting a room that can sleep more, you need to tell the desk clerk that, when you check in, so they can have the staff run the extra towels up to the room. Why do hotels have different types of rooms?
You should have one set of towels per guest. Guest towels can be stacked near the sink for your guests to have easy access to the towels, and you can put the other towels on the bed. A small basket would also be a good addition to the guest bathroom, both aesthetically and practically.
When you dry yourself off with a towel after a shower, there comes a point where your towel will be wetter than you, meaning it cannot really take any more moisture off of you, but you are not completely dry yet. That's when your second towel comes in.
To help your towels stay clean, smell fresh between washes, and last longer, follow this advice. Hang towels after each use and let them dry before tossing them into a hamper or laundry basket.
Clean your bathroom once a week as a good rule of thumb.
“We recommend washing bath towels after every three uses, or at least once a week, to ensure truly clean towels,” said Kate Elks, Brooklinen director. “Brooklinen's bath offerings, including bath towels and sheets, hand towels, and washcloths, only differ in size, so you can care for them all the same way.”