Laundry Secrets: The Truth About Combining Towels and Clothes in One Wash – 2025
1. Towels Need a Different Wash Cycle
Towels are thick and highly absorbent, which means they need a longer, hotter wash to get fully clean. Most clothes, especially delicates, require a gentler cycle. Washing them together often causes under-washed towels or over-washed clothes—neither of which is ideal.
2. Lint Transfer Is a Real Problem
Towels shed a lot of lint, especially newer ones. When washed with clothes such as darker garments or synthetics—this lint can stick and create a chaotic, fuzzy nightmare. It’s a recipe for frustration, especially if you have to rewet everything.

3. Clothes Can Get Marred
Zippers, buttons, and embellishments on clothing can snag or wear down your towels over time. On the flip side, the heavy texture of towels leads to pilling or stretch out lighter fabrics. It’s a rough blender—literally.
4. Hygiene Matters
Towels are applied to dry your body, face, and sometimes even your pets. They harbor more bacteria, sweat, and d3ad skin cells than your everyday clothes. Combining them means you’re potentially spreading those germs to items you wear close to your skin.

5. Uneven Drying
Towels are bulky and require a lot of water, which makes them take longer to dry. If they’re washed in with thin clothing, you’ll either end up with soggy towels or overdried, shrunken clothes. Either way, your dryer works harder and your fabrics suffer. Washing towels and clothes separately isn’t just about freshness—it’s about protecting your laundry, expanding the life of your fabrics, and maintaining things truly fresh. For best results, wash towels on their own using hot water, a proper detergent, and a full soak cycle.
For best results, wash towels on their own using hot water, a proper detergent, and a full soak cycle.
But that’s just one of many laundry secrets that can help you achieve cleaner, fresher results — and protect your fabrics for the long haul.

6. Don’t Overload the Machine
Another little-known laundry secret: overcrowding the washer reduces its effectiveness, especially when you’re dealing with bulky items like towels. Even if you think you’re saving time or energy, an overloaded drum can’t circulate water and detergent properly, leaving your towels musty and your clothes still dirty. Keep loads balanced and give your fabrics space to breathe.
7. Use Less Detergent Than You Think
One of the simplest laundry secrets? Most people use too much detergent — especially when washing towels. Excess suds can trap dirt and bacteria inside towel fibers, making them feel stiff or smell sour even after washing. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations and consider adding a rinse cycle for extra freshness.
8. Skip Fabric Softener for Towels
It sounds counterintuitive, but another key laundry secret is to avoid fabric softener when washing towels. While it may make clothes feel softer, fabric softener coats towel fibers, reducing their absorbency over time. Instead, try adding a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle — it helps break down residues and keeps towels fluffy.

9. Rotate Towels to Extend Their Life
Here’s a pro-level laundry secret: Rotate your towel sets and avoid overusing the same ones. Towels need time to fully dry between uses to prevent mildew buildup. Regular rotation also ensures that no single set wears out faster than the others, helping you maintain your entire linen collection in better shape.
10. Dry Smarter, Not Harder
For optimal results, always dry towels separately from lightweight clothing. Use a medium to high heat cycle, and add a few dryer balls to promote air circulation. This cuts drying time, reduces energy use, and leaves towels fluffier. One final laundry secret? Always shake out towels before and after drying — it helps preserve their loft and prevents flat, rough textures.
Final Thought:
Washing towels and clothes together may seem convenient, but as you now know, it comes at a cost — both to fabric quality and hygiene. With these simple laundry secrets, you can elevate your wash game, protect your investment in clothing and linens, and enjoy fresher, longer-lasting results.