You step out of the shower, reach for your trusty towel, and hang it up like always. But how many more uses can you squeeze in before that towel becomes less “fresh spa day” and more “petri dish in disguise”?
According to dermatologists, the magic number is every 3 to 4 uses. That’s right—your towel may feel dry, but it’s quietly collecting dead skin cells, bacteria, and body oils each time you use it. Wait too long to wash it, and you could irritate your skin or even trigger breakouts.
Of course, a few factors can shift the timeline. If you’ve just wrapped up a sweaty workout or live in a humid climate where towels stay damp longer, go ahead and toss it in the laundry sooner. On the flip side, if you shower less frequently and hang your towel in a well-ventilated spot, you might stretch it a bit longer—but sniff test with caution.
And here’s something you might not expect: your towel’s material matters. Waffle weave towels, for instance, dry faster than classic terry cloth, making them less prone to harboring bacteria. Jason Gutierrez of Geometry recommends swapping waffle towels every 7 to 10 days, depending on use and drying conditions.
Eventually, even the best towels wear out. If yours feels rough, isn’t absorbing well, or smells funky even after a wash, it’s time to retire it. But don’t toss it—old towels make great cleaning cloths or can be donated to animal shelters.
