How Often Should You Replace Towels With New Ones?

When it comes to maintaining your bathroom hygiene, understanding the lifespan of your towels is crucial. Most of us will use our towels every day, sometimes multiple times, but just how often should you replace towels? 

At Christy, you can rely on high-quality and cloud-like towels that are sure to last you a number of years. In this blog, our experts will tell you just how often you should replace towels, as well as tips and advice on how to maintain them. Despite daily use, it isn’t always clear to us when we should retire our towels and invest in new ones. 

Ready to learn about the significance of towel hygiene? Let’s get into it… 

How often should you buy new towels? 

According to experts, your towels should be replaced every two to three years as a general guideline, however, this can vary depending on how often you use your towels and care for them. 

Because the purpose of a towel is to dry you off, it is designed to be super absorbent - you can experience thick and indulgent luxury towels by shopping the full collection from Christy. However, a towel doesn’t dry off easily by itself and can remain damp for some time. Bacteria will multiply unless you can ensure that it is completely dry after use. Hanging your towels up to dry properly and taking good care of them can ensure that they last longer. 

Most towels will remain in usable condition for at least two years, however, if you notice that your towel is losing its absorbency, shrinks, fades, or is starting to fray or thin, it’s a sign that it needs replacing. To ensure that your towels last as long as possible, you should be investing in good-quality and heavyweight cotton towels to guarantee that they remain soft and last for longer. Towel GSM (grams per square metre) is a good indication of how heavy and dense a towel is. Generally, the higher the GSM, the thicker and more absorbent the towel will be. 

For more information about towel GSM, have a read of our blog: What is Towel GSM and Why Does it Matter? 

How often should you wash towels? 

Now that you know how often you should replace your towels, what about washing them? It’s important to wash your towels regularly in order to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. There is no need to wash your towels after every single use, though - in fact, washing your towels after every 3-4 uses is enough to keep them hygienic. 

We recommend following these guidelines: 

Hand towels - wash after 3-4 uses, or once a week 

Bath towels - wash after 3-4 uses, or once a week 

Face towels - wash after 1-2 uses 

Gym towels - wash after each use 

Bath mats - at least once a week 

If you have a busy household with pets, children, and frequent visitors, you may need to wash your towels as often as every 2-3 days. And, if you use a face cloth to wash your face, this should be washed after every use. If you don’t wash your towels frequently, they can accumulate bacteria, fungi, and viruses from your body which could lead to skin irritation and the spread of infections. 

Using the same towel for months without washing can lead to several hygiene and health issues such as: 

• Bacterial growth - Towels harbour bacteria, especially when damp, which can lead to an accumulation of bacteria.

• Mould and mildew - A damp towel is the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow, leading to respiratory issues or allergic reactions.

• Unpleasant odours - Towels can develop foul odours due to the buildup of bacteria and sweat. 

• Skin issues - Using a dirty towel can contribute to acne, rashes, or other skin conditions. 

• Cross-contamination - If you use your towel for multiple purposes, it can transfer germs from one part of your body to another. 

• Reduced absorbency - The buildup of residues can make your towel less effective at drying, leading to prolonged dampness on your skin. 

For more tips on washing and drying your towels, have a read of our blog: How to Dry Towels to Keep Them Soft and Fresh. 

Signs it’s time to get new towels 

When you notice that your towels are starting to smell or no longer feel comfortable, it is probably time to get new ones. Simply check out our store for inspiration, or visit our towels on sale to upgrade your collection for less. Some specific signs to look out for include: 

• Roughness - If your towels have lost their softness and become rough and scratchy, regardless of the fabric softener that you use, it means that the fibres are breaking down. If they no longer feel as soft or as plush as they once were, it’s time for new ones. 

• Odour - Your towels might begin to smell musty or sour, even after washing. This suggests that your towel is harbouring bacteria and should be replaced.

• Fading colours - Significant fading often means that the towel fabric is worn out, especially if the care instructions have been followed accurately. When they start to look old and dull, it’s a sign that they are ageing. 

• Thinning material - Noticeable thinning or a lack of plushness is another sign that your towel fabric is worn out and nearing the end of its life span. Fraying edges, holes, and rips are another obvious sign of wear and tear.  

Just because your towels aren’t falling apart with holes in them doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t invest in some new ones. Sometimes though, it can be tricky to tell which towels are past their expiry and which ones are okay to keep using. Keeping yourself aware of the signs above will help you to decide when your towels need an upgrade. We recommend upgrading your towel bales at the same time for a cohesive look across your home. 

Towel care and maintenance tips 

Caring for and maintaining your bathroom towels properly can help them to stay soft, absorbent, and last for many years to come. Below, we have some tips that you can follow to ensure that your towels stay plush and luxurious after every wash. 

Washing best practices

1. Separate by colour - Before washing, separate your towels by colour to prevent colour bleeding. Wash light-coloured towels together and dark-coloured ones separately.

2. Choose the right detergent - Harsh detergents can break down fibres and reduce towel softness over time. We recommend using a mild and eco-friendly detergent and also skip the fabric softener. 

3. Don’t overload your washing machine - Make sure that there is enough space for your towels to move around freely. This will ensure that your towels are being cleaned effectively. 

4. Use warm water - Use warm water for white and light-coloured towels to help remove stains and bacteria. Ensure that it is warm enough to kill off any bacteria and remove loose towel fibres. 

Drying and storage 

1. Air-dry where possible - Hang your towels to dry outside on a clothesline or indoors in a well-ventilated area. Rotate them periodically to ensure even drying. 

2. Shake before drying - A good shake will prevent stiffness and maintain fluffiness once your towel is dry. 

3. If machine drying, set to a low heat - Too high of a heat can damage the fibres of your towels, leading to stiffness. 

4. Add dryer balls - Toss a few dryer balls or tennis balls into your tumble dryer. This can help to fluff up your towels and reduce the drying time by improving air circulation. 

When looking for towel-washing tips, the most important thing to consider is the quality of the towel. A high-quality towel from Christy, such as our gorgeous Egyptian cotton towels offers soft and durable features that are sure to uphold this quality over the years. Our commitment to careful craftsmanship and a keen eye for detail ensures that your towels can continue to be passed down for generations, a staple for every bathing routine. 

Still looking for more ideas? We’ve got 15 expert tips for prolonged towel softness. 

Invest in the epitome of luxury with Christy 

Hopefully, this blog has taught you all about towel maintenance and answered your question ‘how often should you replace towels? Crafted from the finest, softest fabrics, indulge yourself with bathroom and bedroom products from Christy. With a 170-year history in crafting sumptuous towels, you can rely on us for truly luxurious bath products. 

For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A member of our team will be more than happy to get back to you. We love hearing from our customers - alternatively, you can give us a call on 01613 675 800.