July 16, 2026, 9:23 am | Read time: 3 minutes
For many, the washcloth is a staple of daily personal care. Because it regularly comes into contact with moisture, skin flakes, and body germs, proper care is crucial. Using the washcloth for too long or not washing it thoroughly creates ideal conditions for microorganisms to multiply. But how often should you actually change the washcloth, and how do you clean it properly?
Follow myHOMEBOOK on WhatsApp now
Why You Should Change Washcloths Regularly
After each use, moisture, skin oils, dead skin cells, and natural skin germs remain in the fabric. If the washcloth dries slowly or is left crumpled, bacteria and mold can multiply more easily. While this doesn’t automatically pose a health risk, it can lead to unpleasant odors or skin irritations.
Therefore, it’s recommended to change washcloths as frequently as possible. As a rule of thumb: If you use the washcloth above the waist, such as for cleaning your face or upper body, change it every two to three days. Washcloths used below the waist should be changed daily.
Proper Drying After Use
It’s not just how often you change the washcloth that determines hygiene, but also how you handle it after use. A washcloth should be thoroughly rinsed with water after each use and then hung up to dry completely. When left folded on the edge of the sink, moisture lingers, creating an ideal environment for microorganisms.
Also interesting: Does a plastic bag help against lint and pet hair in the washing machine?
How to Get Washcloths Really Clean
Cleaning depends not only on the temperature but also on the right detergent. Dr. Bernd Glassl from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association explains that washcloths should be washed with color detergent or liquid detergents in a program that actually reaches 60 degrees Celsius. It’s important to note that many modern eco-programs do not achieve this temperature. “Alternatively, when using a heavy-duty detergent in powder, granulate, or tablet form, a wash cycle that reaches 40 degrees Celsius can be chosen,” the expert says. These products contain bleach, which also contributes to hygienic cleaning.
How Often You Should Change Towels
Why Black Laundry Often Smells Musty–and What Helps
Special Precautions for Contagious Diseases
If there has been a norovirus infection in the household or washcloths are used for fungal infections like athlete’s foot or a Candida infection, stricter hygiene rules apply. In this case, Glassl recommends washing the textiles in a program that reaches 60 degrees Celsius and using a heavy-duty detergent in powder, granulate, or tablet form. The combination of sufficiently high temperature and bleach-containing detergent helps reduce pathogens.
Small Habit with Big Impact
A fresh washcloth is one of the simplest measures for good bathroom hygiene. Regularly replacing it, allowing it to dry completely after each use, and paying attention to the right combination of temperature and detergent when washing ensures that this daily companion remains hygienically clean in the long term. It’s especially important not to rely solely on the washing program’s display–what matters is the actual temperature reached during the wash cycle.