Why You Shouldn’t Wash Towels and Clothes Together: A Smart Laundry Guide

Let’s face it—after a long, exhausting week, throwing all your laundry into one load might seem like a time-saver. But this habit could be damaging your clothes, dulling fabrics, and even transferring bacteria in ways you don’t realize.

I used to mix towels and clothes too—until I noticed stiff towels, fuzzy t-shirts, and dull fabrics. That’s when I looked into the science behind separating laundry. Here’s what I discovered, and why doing separate loads makes a difference.

1. Towels Require a More Intense Wash

Towels are designed to be thick, absorbent, and durable. After use, they hold onto body oils, dead skin cells, soap residue, and moisture. To properly clean them, towels need:

Hot water to dissolve oils,

Long wash cycles to flush out buildup,

Heavy agitation to cleanse their deep fibers.

Clothing—especially delicates—needs a gentler touch. A hot and aggressive wash can cause fading, shrinking, or stretching. So when you mix the two, you’re either under-washing the towels or over-washing your clothes. Neither outcome is ideal.

2. Lint Transfer Is a Real Issue

Towels shed lint. A lot of it. When washed with clothing—especially dark or synthetic fabrics—this lint clings and creates an unwanted fuzz layer. The result? Clothes that look worn and untidy.

But lint isn’t just annoying—it can clog seams, fill dryer vents, and even reduce a towel’s absorbency over time. When you wash towels separately, both your wardrobe and your linens stay in better shape.

3. Different Textures Can Damage Fabric

Towels are rougher and more abrasive than most garments. When tumbled together, the friction between towel loops and delicate fabrics can cause:

Fraying seams,

Stretched necklines,

Pilling and snags.

Zippers and buttons from clothes can also catch on towel loops, creating pulls. Think of it like rubbing sandpaper against silk—something is going to suffer. Keep your items safe by washing them with like fabrics only.

4. Hygiene Concerns You Might Overlook

Towels seem clean—but remember, they dry off our bodies, absorbing sweat, dead skin, and sometimes bacteria. If they’re not washed properly—with hot water and thorough rinsing—they become breeding grounds for microbes.

Washing towels with your regular clothes can transfer bacteria to items that touch your skin closely, like underwear and t-shirts. If you live with elderly people or those with weaker immune systems, this can pose a health risk. Proper towel washing protects more than just fabrics—it protects people.

5. Uneven Drying Wastes Energy

Towels are thick and hold moisture longer. Clothing, on the other hand, dries faster. So when you dry them together, your clothes might come out stiff and overdried, while towels remain damp.

This imbalance forces your dryer to run longer or work harder—raising your energy bills and wearing out your appliance. Separate loads allow more efficient drying based on the material.