The towel struggle: how often can you use it?

My towel routine is complex. I have one for my hair, one for my body, and one in the bathroom for a quick hand wash. I then use the one for my hair later to dry myself off before it goes into the wash. Inside information, I know, but that’s just to illustrate the big question: how often can you use a towel, hygiene-wise?

You would think: that when you dry yourself off you are fresh and clean, so the towel can go another round. Right? A time wrapping it around your hair, a time drying off, maybe one more time and then into the laundry basket. But there is a max to the number of times you can use it. Microbiologist Philip Tierno finally gives you the answer. One towel per week? Don’t do it. You can use a towel three times before it needs a wash.

A towel is a breeding ground. Ugh, that dries off a lot less pleasantly. But it’s damp, warm, there’s oxygen, and after thoroughly drying yourself, cells are left behind. The ideal formula for bacteria to thrive. If your towel smells, it’s a sign to start the washing machine, because it’s teeming with microbes.

Letting your towel dry properly is crucial to be able to use it again. But with a maximum of three times, now you know that before you grab it from the drying rack.

Source: Women’s Health