The Rules of Thumb to Follow
"We suggest four bath towels (two in use, two in the wash) supplemented with two hand towels, and two washcloths—perfect for one adult," says Liz Eichholz, creative director and co-founder of towel brand Weezie.
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.
Suggested Inventory – How Many Towels Do I Need? Adults: Four bath and two hand towels per week, plus two washcloths per day. Kids: Four bath and four hand towels per week, plus two washcloths per day. Guests: Two bath and hand towels for each guest, plus two washcloths daily.
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.)”
You should swap out your dirty towels for clean ones about every three days, but that doesn't mean you need to wash them immediately.
A set usually consists of a bath towel or bath sheet depending, a hand towel, and a washcloth.
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.
We would again recommend two of each size towels per person, unless they are only making a short visit or overnight stay, in which case one of each size should have them covered.
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.
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.
An optimal number of towels for your kitchen should be the amount that you use between laundry days. If you use a few towels every time you prepare dinner and only wash once a week, you should have around 14. If you use one, keep seven.
The short answer is no — you should use a separate towel for your face than the one you use to dry your body (like, you know, including your butt) after a shower.
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.
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?
Bacteria spread through shared towels can enter the body through pores, cuts, sores, and wounds. These are some of the most common illnesses that arise from towels: The bacteria that causes staph infections grow quickly in damp conditions that towels cultivate.
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.
Thicker, heavier towels are usually more absorbent than thinner, lighter towels, but take longer to dry, of course.
It's a matter of personal preference, but makes a big difference. If you want a super soft, ultra-absorbent towel, look for 100% cotton with dense, plush loops of yarn on the surface. If you want one that's quick-drying and more durable, consider a cotton-poly blend or a lighter fabric with a low pile (short loops).
Cotton is the most popular towel material. But not all cotton towels are created equal. High-quality Turkish and Egyptian cotton produce the best, softest, and most absorbent towels. Whether you need them for yourself or your guest bathroom, cotton bath towels are multitaskers and ideal for everyday use.
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.
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.