Towel Etiquette

Everyone has towels in the bathroom, but have you actually thought for a minute about how long it has been there? Is it sanitary?

In the moist environment of the bathroom, bacteria and/or mold can propigate quickly. Here are some rules of thumb for preventing buildup and cleaning out towels that may have already become stale.

First things first, do not use towels more than 2 times. Even though you can't see it dirt, perspiration and body oils are transferred to the towel each time that it is used. This will go doubly so if you have children in the house as they tend not to was as thoroughly as they should.

When cleaning the towels, I separate into 2 loads. Colors and whites. Only fill the washer about half full. A lot of movement and water contact is needed to clean towels thoroughly.

After you have loaded the machine add a detergent booster such as Borax or and Oxi based laundry detergent. When possible wash with bleach to kill microbes.

Before starting the machine set it on the highest hot water setting and the washer on the longest cycle setting.

Once the wash cycle is done remove the towels immediately and place in the dryer. Dry the towels thoroughly. If you put them away damp, bacteria can build up before you even get a chance to use them.