May 23, 2025, 9:35 am | Read time: 3 minutes
To maintain hygiene standards in the bathroom, it’s essential to regularly replace towels. How often you should change them depends, among other things, on their use. MyHOMEBOOK explains all the important details in this article.
In damp towels that don’t dry properly after use, bacteria and germs can multiply quickly. If they are not regularly replaced in the bathroom, they provide ideal conditions for microorganisms to spread—leading to unpleasant odors or skin irritations. But how often should you actually change towels?
How Often You Should Change Towels
The frequency with which you should replace different towels in the bathroom depends, among other things, on how often and for what purpose they are used. Generally, the more frequently towels are used, the more often they should be changed. This is confirmed by Dr. Bernd Glassl from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) in an interview with myHOMEBOOK.
Not changing your towels regularly can make you sick, explains dermatologist Dr. Alok Vij from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Dirty towels can lead to fungal infections such as ringworm. “You can bring home athlete’s foot infections through gym towels,” adds Glassl. Viral infections, including warts, are also a possible consequence—as well as eczema and dermatitis.
Also interesting: How Long Wet Laundry Can Stay in the Washing Machine
According to Vij, bath towels should be replaced with fresh ones at least once a week. Hand towels should also be changed one to two times a week. Vij explains that germs and bacteria can multiply faster if towels remain damp for extended periods. Therefore, in a bathroom with poor ventilation, bath and hand towels should be replaced even more frequently. The reason: “The faster a towel can dry, the less moisture is available for bacteria to multiply, and the longer towels smell fresh,” explains Glassl.
Washcloths for armpits or face should be replaced even more frequently with fresh ones–ideally several times a week, according to the expert. Additionally, it’s important not to share washcloths with other household members. If a towel is used at the gym, sauna, or swimming pool, it should go directly into the laundry after use.
How Long Wet Laundry Can Stay in the Washing Machine
7 home textiles washed far too rarely
Does Putting a Dry Towel in the Dryer Really Save Money and Energy?
Properly Washing Towels
To ensure towels reliably absorb moisture and remain hygienic, proper washing is crucial. Generally, laundry can be washed at 40, or better yet, 30 degrees Celsius for the sake of the environment. However, towels are different: To reliably kill bacteria and germs, they should be washed at a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius. This is also recommended by the Consumer Center Hamburg. Fabric softeners should be avoided when washing towels, as they reduce absorbency.
“All textiles should be hung to dry or placed in the dryer as soon as possible after the wash cycle ends,” says Glassl. He continues, “Drying outdoors is more antibacterial than drying in a dryer or a dark basement, according to the working group of Professor Dirk Bockmühl, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.” Therefore, towels should be spread out on a clothesline outdoors to dry. There should be no bunched areas to prevent mold formation.