Ah, laundry… the one house chore that never ends (like washing dishes). Whether it’s clothes or linens, there’s always something to toss in the wash for a sanitizing clean. And sometimes, it seems like combining similar items is a smart way to get it over with, like towels and sheets.
We’ll admit we’re guilty at combining these two linens in the same load for a quick clean, but after speaking to several laundry experts, we’ll be changing our cleaning method. Here’s what experts had to say about the debate of if you should wash towels and sheets together (the answer may surprise you).
Should Towels And Sheets Be Washed Together?
To cut to the chase, our experts say your towels and sheets should not be washed together or with other items like clothes. “I tried this once, knowing full well I shouldn’t because of hygiene reasons, but I was pressed with time, so I gave it a try,” says Piper. “Unfortunately, when I pulled out the sheets from the dryers, they’re covered with lint from the towels. I ended up washing them again and adding another rinse cycle. That’s wasted time, water, and effort.”
For the hygiene part, Ceconi says the makeup of towels plays a big part in why it’s best to wash these items separately. “Towels are heavier, more absorbent, and require a longer drying time compared to sheets. Washing them together can lead to uneven drying, increased lint transfer, and reduced overall cleanliness,” he says. “Towels also tend to carry more bacteria and body oils, which you may not want transferring to your sheets.”
Tips For Washing Your Towels And Sheets
So, other than knowing you need to wash them separately, what are other tips for safe washing? Here are a few tips our extra shared when it comes to taking care of your towels and sheets.
Don’t Overcrowd Your Loads
When you go to wash your linens, all of our experts caution to avoid overcrowding the washing machine. “When you load them in the washer, only put enough so there’s still space for them to move around to get properly cleaned,” says Piper. “Not sure if you’ve overpacked? Stick your arm in. If there’s still some wiggle room, you’re in the clear.”
Use Gentle Detergents
Another effective step to take for cleaning your towels and sheets is to use a gentle detergent. This will help keep the fibers of your linens intact, which means you can enjoy the softness for longer. Ceconi recommends looking for detergents that are gentle and pH neutral to enhance the preservation of fiber softness.
Check The Labels
One of the most obvious ways to ensure you wash your towels and sheets correctly is to go straight to the manufacturer source. “Depending on the material, you’ll want to wash towels and sheets according to their specific care instructions to ensure they last as long as possible,” says Dills. “Labels will usually include recommendations and warnings on cleaning, washing, and drying techniques.”
Stick To A Schedule
Other than making sure you’re washing your linens to breakdown bacteria that grows naturally, it’s almost smart to stick to a schedule so you have fresh towels or sheets to enjoy. “I always recommend washing your sheets once a week and bath towels every 3-4 uses,” Dills says. “Since we use these every day, a lot of bacteria and dirt can build up. By washing them weekly, you can eliminate any daily grime that may have built up, keeping your towels and sheets fresh.”
Toss In Dryer Balls
You can still continue the protection of fiber preservation when you go to dry your linens in the dryer. All you need is the help of a few dryer balls. “Aside from making your towels and sheet softer and fluffier, dryer balls will also prevent wrinkles and static cling,” says Piper. “For medium loads of 4 to 6 towels, I’d throw in 3 or 4 balls. The more dryer balls, the more they can separate the fabric. Now, if the towels are still coming out damp, try adding an extra ball or two next time. You can totally adjust as you go.”
Wash In Warm Water
Hot or cold, which temperature should you wash your towels and sheets in? Neither! According to our experts, warm water is best to do the job at killing bacteria without compromising the softness of the fibers.
Choose Vinegar Over Fabric Softener
If you didn’t already know, vinegar is a powerful home cleaner for several purposes, laundry included. While vinegar can help give your linens a deeper clean, it can also act as a natural fabric softener compared to the store-bought ones. “I also like to use vinegar instead of fabric conditioner as it leaves a film, so over time, there’s build-up. Vinegar rinses clean without leaving any residue,” says Piper. “Odors are removed, too, unlike fabric conditioners that mostly just add fragrance. Just add ½ cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment during the rinse cycle. Your laundry won’t smell like vinegar once it dries, promise!”
Air Dry Occasionally
If you’re in a pinch and need your linens pronto, then you can’t go wrong with a toss in the handy dryer. But, one expert-level tip Piper shared with us is to air dry your linens occasionally for a bonus in fiber protection. “This is a great way to keep the fibers intact. Hang them outside or on a drying rack in the sun. Sunlight naturally sanitizes, and air drying prevents the harshness of high heat. Just don’t leave them out too long to avoid stiffness.”
