Towel trouble: Why you should wash them every two days
It's important to maintain the cleanliness of towels. After all, we use them to dry not only our bodies but also our hands and even our faces. So, how often should we wash them? The expert leaves no room for uncertainty.
Towels, combined with the moisture and warmth in the bathroom, become an ideal breeding ground for various types of bacteria. How can we protect ourselves from them? We need to wash them regularly. But how do we know when they are dirty enough? Professor Charles Gerba from the University of Arizona discussed this in an interview with "Time" magazine, as reported by the Interia Kobieta website.
How often should you wash towels?
It might seem that a dirty and unusable towel can be recognised by its smell and appearance. However, this is a misconception. It's important to know that harmful bacteria often develop on them much earlier.
"After about two days, if you dry your face on a hand towel, you're probably getting more E. coli on your face than if you stuck your head in a toilet and flushed it," asserts Professor Gerba.
According to recommendations, towels should be changed every two days at most, although many believe it's best to do this daily. Additionally, make sure to thoroughly dry them immediately after use.
What to remember when washing towels
Regularly washing towels may not be sufficient. It's also crucial to know how to do it properly to not only kill the bacteria present but also other microbes. In this case, the key is the right temperature.
It's best to wash towels at temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Many people resort to boiling them for good reason. This method can be very effective, especially when wishing to avoid the use of various chemicals.
