Step 4: Use the Correct Amount of Detergent

One of the biggest towel-washing mistakes is using too much detergent.

Extra detergent can leave a coating on towel fibers, making them:

Less absorbent
Stiff
Rough
More likely to trap odors

Use the recommended amount on your detergent label. (Better Homes & Gardens)

Step 5: Avoid Fabric Softener

Although fabric softener makes clothes feel smooth, it can reduce towel absorbency by coating the fibers.

Instead:

Skip fabric softener
Use an extra rinse cycle if towels feel coated
Occasionally wash towels with a cleaning cycle to remove buildup

(The Times of India)

Step 6: Add an Extra Rinse (Optional)

An extra rinse is useful because towels are thick and can hold onto detergent residue.

This helps:

Remove leftover soap
Prevent stiffness
Keep towels fresher

Step 7: Dry Towels Completely

Proper drying is just as important as washing.

For dryer use:

Shake towels before placing them inside.
Avoid overfilling the dryer.
Use medium heat if possible.
Remove towels once fully dry.

For air drying:

Hang towels with enough space between them.
Avoid folding damp towels immediately.
Allow airflow around the fabric.

Completely drying towels helps prevent musty smells and mildew. (The Economic Times)

The Best Practice: Wash Them Separately

For the cleanest results, create two towel categories:

Bath Towel Load

Include:

Bath towels
Hand towels
Washcloths
Bath mats (if care instructions allow)

Kitchen Towel Load

Include:

Dish towels
Tea towels
Cleaning cloths
Kitchen napkins

This allows you to choose the best wash settings for each group and reduces cross-contamination risks. (American Cleaning Institute)

How Often Should You Wash Towels?

A good routine is:

Bath towels

Wash after about 3–5 uses, especially if they do not dry completely between uses. (Consumer Reports)

Kitchen towels

Wash more frequently because they are exposed to food and moisture. Towels used for cooking or cleaning may need washing every few days or sooner.

Final Recommendation

While washing kitchen towels and bath towels together is possible, it is not the ideal habit for every load. If your kitchen towels are lightly used and washed properly, combining them occasionally is unlikely to cause problems. However, for better hygiene, fresher smells, and longer-lasting towels, keeping kitchen towels separate from bath towels remains the recommended approach.