It may be tempting to throw every towel into the same laundry load, but kitchen towels and bath towels are better washed separately. Kitchen towels can pick up grease, food residue, and bacteria from raw ingredients, while bath towels mainly collect moisture, skin cells, and body oils. Keeping them apart helps reduce the chance of transferring kitchen contaminants to towels that touch your skin.

For kitchen towels, wash them using the hottest setting allowed by the care label, especially if they have been used around raw meat or other potentially contaminated foods. Bath towels can usually be washed in warm or hot water according to their care instructions. Don’t overcrowd the washer—towels need enough room for water and detergent to circulate properly. 🧼

Be careful with laundry “hacks,” too. Too much detergent can leave residue, making towels stiff and less absorbent. Commercial fabric softeners can also reduce absorbency by coating cotton fibers. White vinegar may help with odor and residue when used appropriately, but never mix vinegar with bleach. After washing, move towels to the dryer promptly and make sure they are completely dry before storing to help prevent musty odors and mildew.

As a general routine, kitchen towels that are used frequently should be washed every few days or sooner if they become dirty, damp, or contaminated with raw food. Bath towels can often be washed after several uses if they dry completely between showers. It takes a little extra sorting, but keeping these two types of towels separate is a simple habit that can make your laundry routine cleaner and more hygienic. ❤️