How often should you buy new towels?

Author: Bernhard Trantow  |  Last update: Friday, June 13, 2025

How Frequently To Replace Towels. The frequency with which you replace your towels really depends on what you're using them for. "A good thing to remember is to replace bathroom towels every two to five years and kitchen towels and washcloths every year or every two years, depending on their quality," explains Wischnia ...

How often should I replace bath towels?

Bath towels typically last two to five years, depending on factors like frequency of use and care. Signs it's time to replace them include reduced absorbency, lingering odors, scratchiness, fading colors, rips or holes, mildew, or if they're over five years old.

What is the lifespan of a towel?

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 do you know you need new towels?

Fraying Edges: Worn or frayed edges are a clear sign that the towel is nearing the end of its life. Stubborn Odors: Even after washing, if the towel retains a musty smell, it's likely harboring bacteria and should be replaced. Loss of Softness: Over time, towels can lose their plush texture and feel rough on the skin.

Should you throw away old towels?

You should consider replacing your towels every 1 to 2 years, depending on their condition and usage. Here are some factors to keep in mind: Wear and Tear: Check for fraying edges, thinning fabric, or loss of absorbency. If your towels are starting to show significant signs of wear, it's time to replace them.

How many towels should I have?

Is it okay to use the same towel for a week?

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.

Do towels get better with age?

Rough textures: As towels age, the fibres become less absorbent, leading to a less effective drying experience. Plus, that scratchy feeling can be uncomfortable and irritating to the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin - it's time to ditch the scratchy towels once you're no longer enjoying the feel of them!

What are the best bath towels to buy?

At a glance - The best bath towels for 2025
  • Best bath towel overall: Scooms Egyptian Cotton Bath Sheet Pair.
  • Best bath towel for maintaining softness: The White Company Rib Hydrocotton Towel.
  • Best luxury bath towel: Soak & Sleep Luxury Egyptian Cotton Towel.

How do you make old towels feel new again?

Baking soda or vinegar will do the trick. BAKING SODA: Adding baking soda to your towel wash helps remove soap and chemical residue that can end up covering your towels. Add half a cup of baking soda with your washing detergent, then wash as usual.

How long should you keep old towels?

How Frequently To Replace Towels. The frequency with which you replace your towels really depends on what you're using them for. "A good thing to remember is to replace bathroom towels every two to five years and kitchen towels and washcloths every year or every two years, depending on their quality," explains Wischnia ...

What type of towels last longest?

We've learned that cotton towels made with long-staple yarns are going to be the most resilient options to ensure they stay fluffy and absorbent for months. Despite testing a range of fabrics, including microfiber, bamboo, and linen, we really do prefer cotton because of its durability.

What can I do with old towels?

Cleaning Central
  1. Rags: Cut up those old towels, and you will have an instant supply of cleaning rags for every surface in your home, from kitchen counters to the garage workbench.
  2. Mop heads: Say goodbye to pricey mop refills! ...
  3. Dishcloths: Old towels are super absorbent, perfect for tackling dirty dishes.

How long does bacteria live on towels?

coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus can survive and persist for up to 16 days on a kitchen sponge and up to 13 days on microfiber towels.

How often should I change bed sheets?

The Good Housekeeping Institute says that your sheets should be changed at least once every two weeks. However, if you suffer with night sweats or allergies such as asthma, it's worth washing them weekly to get rid of any grime or potential irritants and keep your sleeping space fresh and clean.

How many towels should I own?

The Ideal Number of Towels per Person

Our rule of three for stocking up on sheets also applies to towels. Keep three sets of towels for each individual who lives in your household—one in the wash, one in the closet, and one in use. This ensures there is always a towel in reserve for when you might need it.

How often should you replace your pillows?

Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity. Generally, you'll be able to tell when it's time to replace your pillows.

How many times should you buy new towels?

Bath towels are the workhorses of the towel family, used daily and exposed to frequent washing. As a general rule, it is recommended to replace your bath towels every two to three years, with five years the maximum.

How do hotels keep towels soft?

Incorporating natural additives such as vinegar or baking soda during the wash cycle can further enhance softness. Advanced drying methods, utilizing commercial-grade dryers with precise drying cycles, play a crucial role in preserving the towels' plush texture.

Where to put vinegar in a washing machine?

Using vinegar in laundry is simple. You can add it to the fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine or pour it in during the final rinse cycle. When adding vinegar towards the end of the cycle, manually pause your machine right before the final rinse cycle and add a 1/2 cup of diluted white vinegar to the load.

What is the best month to buy bath towels?

Best Seasons for Towel Sales: Aside from our birthday sales, towel deals are typically available during white sales in January and July, when retailers discount bed and bath linens. These months are excellent times to find high-quality towels at reduced prices.

What towels do most hotels use?

The secret is Turkish cotton. Hoteliers love Turkish cotton because it's super dense, fluffy and incredibly durable. These towels actually get softer over time with every wash and without breaking down in fluffiness, and you can snag the same towel magic at home.

Is it better to roll or fold bath towels?

When it comes to rolling versus folding towels, there is no wrong choice. Storing rolled bath towels takes up less space than folded towels—which is handy if you don't have a linen closet or if you need to maximize bathroom storage space. Some people prefer the appearance of a neat stack of folded towels.

Why are hotel towels so much better?

Why are hotel towels so much better? The fabric of towels you'll see in hotels is of high-quality cotton with dense loops, offering more softness, absorbency, and durability.

Is it worth buying expensive towels?

With proper care, these towels can last for years, maintaining their softness and absorbency. In contrast to cheaper alternatives that wear out quickly, luxury towels represent a wise investment. Instead of replacing towels frequently, you can enjoy high-quality options that remain functional and stylish.

How can you tell if a towel is high-quality?

Towels that are heavier, more expensive or higher quality have a greater GSM than cheaper towels that tend to fall apart more easily. Typically, the more loops that are woven into a towel, the higher the GSM. The lightest towels are 300 to 400 GSM. A decent-quality, medium-weight towel runs 400 to 600 GSM.

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