ADVERTISEMENT
2. Mechanical Action
Pilling on sweaters or delicate fabrics
Snagged threads on lightweight shirts
Faded colors due to friction
Even modern machines with gentle cycles can’t completely eliminate the mechanical impact of towels on lighter clothing.
3. Temperature Considerations
Towels often require hot water to disinfect and remove bacteria, while many clothes (especially darks or delicate fabrics) do better in cold or warm water to prevent shrinking and color fading. Washing them together often means compromising: either your clothes aren’t getting the best care, or your towels aren’t being cleaned as effectively.
Lint: The Real Culprit
If you’ve ever washed a load of towels with clothes, you’ve probably experienced lint. That fuzzy residue that clings to your pants, shirts, or towels themselves is caused by fiber shedding.
Cotton towels shed more than microfiber or synthetic towels.
Dark clothing is particularly prone to showing white lint, while light clothing might pick up colored fibers from towels dyed in vibrant colors.
Lint can be stubborn to remove. Even a lint roller or dryer sheet won’t fully fix the problem, and repeated lint exposure can make fabrics look older faster.
Hygiene Matters
Towels aren’t just fabric; they’re germ magnets. Towels are used to dry hands, bodies, and dishes, meaning they often contain bacteria, fungi, and other microbes.
Washing towels with clothes doesn’t always transfer germs in a meaningful way if you use hot water and a good detergent. However:
Clothes washed in cold water with towels may not reach temperatures high enough to kill germs effectively.
For people with sensitive skin, allergies, or compromised immune systems, keeping towels and clothes separate may be the safer option.
When It’s Okay to Wash Towels and Clothes Together
That said, washing towels and clothes together can work in certain situations. Here’s when it’s reasonable:
Similar Fabric Weight: Pair towels with heavier clothing items, such as jeans, sweatshirts, or hoodies. These fabrics can handle the mechanical stress of towels.
Same Color Families: Wash light towels with light clothing and dark towels with dark clothing to prevent color bleeding.
Sufficient Detergent and Proper Load Size: Avoid overloading the machine. Make sure there’s enough space for water and detergent to circulate effectively.
Non-Delicate Items: Avoid washing silk, lace, or fine knit fabrics with towels—they’ll likely get damaged.
In short, matching fabrics and colors can make washing together work, but delicate items and lint-prone fabrics are best kept separate.
Tips to Reduce Lint and Damage
If you do decide to wash towels and clothes together, there are several strategies to minimize lint, wear, and tear:
Use a mesh laundry bag: Place delicate clothing inside a mesh bag to protect them from towel abrasion.
Wash towels first: If possible, wash towels separately before combining with clothes for a second rinse. This removes loose fibers and reduces lint transfer.
Use vinegar in the rinse cycle: Adding half a cup of white vinegar helps reduce static and lint, leaving towels soft and clothes cleaner.
Shake towels before drying: This prevents fibers from clumping and sticking to clothes in the dryer.
Choose appropriate dryer settings: Use lower heat for clothes and higher heat for towels. If your dryer allows, separate the loads.
The Environmental Angle
Washing towels separately can seem wasteful—more water, more energy—but it prolongs the life of your clothes and towels, which ultimately reduces environmental impact. Clothes and towels that last longer mean fewer items ending up in landfills.
Consider washing towels less frequently than clothing, unless they are heavily soiled.
Use energy-efficient machines and full loads to balance water and energy use.
Towels and clothes may need separate washes, but thoughtful planning can reduce environmental cost.
Dryer Considerations
Even if you wash towels and clothes together, drying presents another challenge. Towels retain a lot of water and take longer to dry. Clothes may dry faster, and sitting wet in the dryer with heavy towels can lead to:
Mildew or odor in clothes that remain damp
Excess wrinkling and stretching
Increased wear and tear
A good approach:
Remove clothes as soon as dry and allow towels to continue drying.
Shake out towels before putting them in the dryer to prevent clumping.
Consider air-drying delicate clothing while towels finish in the dryer.
When You Should Always Keep Towels and Clothes Separate
Delicate fabrics: Silk, lace, knitwear, or anything prone to stretching or snagging.
Clothing with zippers or buttons: These can catch towel fibers and snag the towel itself.
Brightly colored towels: Dye transfer can stain light clothing.
Sensitive skin considerations: Keeping towels and clothes separate reduces potential contamination from bacteria or harsh detergent residue.
Conclusion: The Laundry Truth
So, what’s the bottom line? Can you wash towels and clothes together? The answer is nuanced:
Yes, if fabrics are similar in weight, colors match, and items are sturdy.
No, if clothes are delicate, brightly colored, or need special care.
In most households, the safest approach is separating towels from everyday clothing, especially when it comes to darks, delicates, or children’s clothing. It prevents lint, preserves fabric integrity, and keeps both towels and clothes cleaner, softer, and longer-lasting.
Laundry might be mundane, but knowing the difference between towels and clothes in the wash can save time, frustration, and money. A few extra loads may be worth it when you consider the alternative: a sweater covered in lint, a shirt stretched and faded, or towels that are stiff and rough.
When it comes to towels and clothes, the old laundry wisdom still rings true: separate when possible, wash smart, and treat your fabrics with care. Your wardrobe—and your skin—will thank you.
ADVERTISEMENT
