The Truth About Washing Towels and Clothes Together

It might seem like a time-saving trick—tossing your towels in with your regular laundry. But mixing towels with clothes in the washing machine is a habit worth breaking. Here’s why.

1. Towels Need a Different Wash Cycle

Towels are thick and highly absorbent, which means they need a longer, hotter wash to get fully clean. Most clothes, especially delicates, require a gentler cycle. Washing them together often leads to under-washed towels or over-washed clothes—neither of which is ideal.

2. Lint Transfer Is a Real Problem

Towels shed a lot of lint, especially newer ones. When washed with clothes—particularly darker garments or synthetics—this lint can stick and create a messy, fuzzy nightmare. It’s a recipe for frustration, especially if you have to rewash everything.