There’s nothing like a fresh set of towels—not only do they make your bathroom look nice, but using a new towel after your bath or shower can feel like one of life’s little luxuries. But fast-forward a few months, and you start to notice the color fading, or a year in, your once-new towels feel scratchy. You might even be thinking about replacing them.
According to Lindsey Johnson, co-founder of Weezie, your towels probably aren’t meant to last as long as you think they should. “When properly cared for, a typical towel’s lifespan is about two years,” says Johnson. “Less if they’re heavily used, more if they’re mainly for display.”
And if your towels are fading fast, it might be how you’re maintaining and cleaning them. So here, experts share laundry habits you should adopt to maximize your towels’ lifespans.
Skip the Heat
Johnson recommends washing your bath towels every three to five uses on a cold cycle. “Our rule of thumb is cold water or low heat,” says Johnson. “High heat both causes shrinkage and weakens cotton fibers over time, causing them to get less soft.”
If you wash your towels on hot occasionally because someone in your household is sick or you accidentally dry them on high, don’t fret. “One hot wash won’t do it, but repeated exposure to hot water and high drying heat will decrease the towel’s lifespan,” Johnson says. “And in general, it makes towels feel hard and crispy!”
Wash Your Towels in a Separate Load
Yes, it’s a little extra work, but washing your towels with clothing is a big no. “Terry is prone to snagging, and this will help ensure your products last longer,” explains Johnson. And while it’s okay if you occasionally need to wash a t-shirt or a pair of undies with your towels (we won’t judge), just make sure there aren’t any zippers.
Don’t Overdo It With the Detergent
Using extra detergent won’t actually make your towels cleaner explains Shantae Duckworth, founder of Shantaeize Your Space and professional organizer. Too much detergent build-up over time can result in rough, scratchy towels that you’ll need to replace sooner than you expected, so less is indeed more.
“When it comes to your laundry detergent, you generally don’t need more than two tablespoons per load.” she says. Read the back of your detergent’s package for exact dosing instructions.
Don’t Wash too Many Towels at Once
Duckworth also reveals that an overstuffed washing machine is unlikely to get your towels (or clothing) clean. So if necessary, split that extra-large load into two smaller ones. “Make sure that you’re not fully packing clothes into your washing machine,” she recommends. “Your washing machine should only be about 3/4 full of laundry.”
Use High-Quality Laundry Products
If you want your towels to last, skip that bargain detergent. “Using quality laundry detergent—whether liquid, powder, pods, or other formats—with bio-based ingredients is less abrasive to the fabric,” says Carylanne Brown, senior Grove guide at Grove Collaborative.
If your towels tend to get really dirty or smelly, Brown recommends looking for formulas that contain enzymes like Phytolase, which help the towels stay fresher for longer so you may not need to wash them as frequently, and less washing equates to less friction and agitation from the washing machine, meaning towel fibers degrade more slowly over time.
Banish Bleach (or Use it Sparingly)
Are your white towels looking a bit dingy? Did you accidentally stain one while washing off your makeup? Resist the temptation to use bleach. “Its harsh formula can be damaging to fabrics,” says Brown. Instead, consider using an oxygen-based cleaner for brightening and spot treatments for stains.
Cut Back on Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softeners
Kat Dey, co-founder of Ettitude, says it’s best to avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets because they can leave a residue that affects absorbency and that residue ironically makes towels feel stiff. “Instead, add a splash of white vinegar during the rinse cycle to naturally soften and refresh towels,” Dey suggests. “A little care goes a long way in preserving their plushness and longevity.”
Instead, use dryer balls. According to Brown, they cut down on the amount of friction in the dryer drum. This reduces the amount of pilling and damage to the fabric, increasing the towel’s longevity.
Choose Durable Towels
Finally, it’s always a good idea to invest in high-quality towels. Sure, it makes sense to buy less expensive towels if you’re on a budget, but they won’t last as long and that could cost you more in the long run.
“Good-quality towels are often made of long-staple Turkish cotton or organic cotton,” explains Amy Hoban, chief creative officer at Parachute. These materials are naturally soft, made to last longer, absorbent, and quick-drying. “The best towels will have an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification,” she adds. “This tells you that the fibers and all other components are free of dangerous chemicals and substances that could harm you or the environment.”
