It’s tempting to throw towels and clothes into one load, but that shortcut wears out fabrics, dulls colors, and spreads germs. Here’s why separating them matters:
1. Towels Need Tougher Care
Towels are heavy and absorbent, full of oils and residue after use. They need hot water, longer cycles, and heavy agitation—treatment that can shrink or damage clothes.
2. Lint Problems
Towels shed lint that clings to clothes, leaving them fuzz-covered and making towels less absorbent over time.
3. Fabric Clash
Rough towel fibers and zippers can snag, stretch, or pill delicate clothing.
4. Hygiene Issues
Towels hold skin cells, sweat, and bacteria. Washing them with everyday clothes risks spreading germs.
5. Uneven Drying
Bulky towels dry slower, so clothes may overdry (shrinking) while towels stay damp.
6. Longer-Lasting Laundry
Separating loads keeps towels fluffy and clothes bright, saving money and energy over time.
Best Practices:
Wash towels hot on heavy-duty with an extra rinse.
Wash clothes on cooler, gentler cycles.
Dry towels on high heat, clothes on medium/low.
Skip fabric softener on towels.
Clean your machine monthly.
Bottom Line:
It takes a few extra minutes to separate towels and clothes, but you’ll get softer towels, longer-lasting clothes, and fresher, cleaner laundry.