How To Know If You Are Washing Your Towels Too Often? Ways It Is Ruining Your Skin

In an attempt to keep everything clean, we may overdo simple tasks like washing our bath or face towels, by washing them again and again or either by adding a lot of products. However, doing this can cause dangers to your skin, and lead to skin problems.

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How Often Should You Wash Your Towels?

According to the American Cleaning Institute, typically, bath towels can be used two to three times before they need a wash. However, specific situations call for more frequent washing, for instance,

1. If a towel comes into contact with bodily fluids, it should be washed immediately.
2. Towels used during workouts or left damp in gym bags should be laundered after a single use.
3. Towels stored in humid spaces that fail to dry completely between uses are prime breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi and should also be washed after each use.
4. If you have eczema or sensitive skin, using a freshly laundered towel every time is essential to avoid further irritation.
5. Regular washing in these cases prevents bacteria and fungal growth, keeping your towels fresh and skin-safe.

The Hidden Downsides of Overwashing

While washing towels frequently has its benefits, going overboard can have the opposite effect. Towels that are repeatedly washed, especially if air-drying isn’t prioritised before they hit the towel holder, can lose their softness and absorbency over time. The fibres break down faster, making them rough and less effective.

Using fabric softeners and other laundry additives compounds the issue. Fabric softeners, made from silicone oils, leave a waxy coating on the towel fibres. While this might make them feel softer initially, this coating reduces their absorbency and creates a hospitable environment for germs. Residue build-up from stain removers and scent beads only exacerbates the problem, compromising both the towel’s quality and hygiene.

How Overly Washed Towels Affect Your Skin?

Rough, overly absorbent, or bacteria-laden towels can wreak havoc on your skin. Here are some common issues caused by improper towel care.

• Overwashed towels with worn fibres can irritate the skin, leading to dryness and discomfort.
• Acne-prone or sensitive skin is particularly susceptible to bacteria, which thrives on improperly dried or overly processed towels.
• Rubbing your skin vigorously with coarse or unclean towels can cause microscopic tears. These tiny fissures, though invisible, weaken the skin barrier, resulting in inflammation and heightened sensitivity.

What Are Micro-Tears?

Micro-tears, also known as microscopic skin fissures, are small injuries that occur on the skin’s surface due to excessive friction or repetitive trauma. Although you might not see them, they can lead to discomfort and make the skin more vulnerable to irritation or infection. Signs include redness, sensitivity, and inflammation. The rough fibres of overwashed towels are a common culprit, especially for those who rub their skin too vigorously.

Caring for Your Towels Without Overdoing It

To maintain the balance between cleanliness and longevity, consider these tips.

• Stick to washing towels after three uses unless they fall into one of the categories mentioned earlier.
• Use minimal detergent and skip fabric softeners altogether. These products leave a residue that diminishes absorbency and promotes bacterial growth.
• Always allow your towels to dry completely before tossing them into the laundry basket to prevent mildew and odours.
• By treating your towels with care, you’ll not only extend their life but also protect your skin from unnecessary irritation.

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Conclusion

Towels play a vital role in your daily routine, but their maintenance requires thoughtful consideration. Overwashing, combined with heavy-duty laundry products, can lead to reduced towel quality and unwelcome skin problems. By adopting a balanced approach to cleaning and handling your towels, you can preserve their softness, ensure their effectiveness, and keep your skin healthy and radiant.