Lifestyle

How often should you wash your towels?

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Ever since the onset of the pandemic, we have been paying a lot of attention to our hygiene habits.


Washing hands regularly, wearing a mask and changing clothes after coming from outdoors have become a part of your routine.

But have you ever wondered how many germs your towels must be harbouring?

When you pat dry yourself with a towel after taking a shower or washing your hands, some germs stick to the fabric.

The dampness of the towel gives an excellent environment for the micro-organism to grow and germinate. Using the same towel day after day can make you prone to several skin conditions.

Here we will tell you what happens when you do not wash your towel regularly and how often you should do it.

​Why should you wash your towels?

When we go outdoors or touch different surfaces, bacteria, viruses and fungi, present in the air and living on the surface of the object, stick on the surface of your skin. Our skin contains different types of microorganisms, but not all are harmful. In fact, some microorganisms are present on the skin’s, which helps protect us against pathogens.
When you take shower and wipe yourself with the towel, you transfer all the bacteria, water and dead skin to the fabric. The dead skin and dampness serve as the food for microorganisms and they start to multiply. Apart from this, your skin produces acid that prevents the microbes from growing and causing harm. So, if your towel is damp, contains dirt and you reuse them, you may be inviting infections and skin related issues. It is even more harmful if you share the towel with your partner or kids.

What happens when you reuse towels?

If you use your towel for a long time without cleaning, dirt and dead skin keep stacking upon it. When you reuse them the dead skin and micro-organisms get transferred to your skin and clog the folliculitis. This can be a reason for an acne outbreak. It can also lead to skin issues like eczema, rashes and ringworm. If you are already suffering from skin problems then reusing a dirty towel can make the symptoms worse.

How often should you change your towels?

The right way to keep yourself safe from skin issues is by washing your towel frequently. Some experts recommend putting it into the laundry bag after three uses. So, if you take a bath every day, wash your towel twice a week. If you are reusing the towel make sure it is completely dry. This simple step can prevent you from skin-related ailments.

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