Can You Wash Towels With Clothes? The Answer May Surprise You

We’ve all been there—laundry day rolls around, and you're faced with an overstuffed hamper of clothes and towels that need tending to. The question then arises: "Can you wash towels with clothes, or should I separate them for optimal results?" This dilemma plagues many of us, especially when we're short on time (or space in the laundry room).

While it may seem like an easy way to tackle the laundry load all at once, there’s more to consider before combining towels with clothes in your washing machine. From fabric care to washing efficiency, here are some things to think about before deciding to toss your towels and clothes in the same wash, along with what the experts have to say about the practice.

Can—or Should—You Wash Towels with Clothes?

"Technically, you can wash towels with clothes, but should you?” asks professional organizer Kimberly Cheeseman. "Probably not," she admits—and other cleaning experts agree.

"Technically, yes, you can wash towels with clothes, but it’s generally best to separate them to avoid lint transfer, uneven wear, and hygiene concerns," says Organize With Marie CEO Marie Dreyer.

But it all goes through the same washing machine, though, right? Before you think this is some laundry-separating conspiracy theory, there are real reasons behind it: "Towels are heavy, absorbent, and shed lint like crazy, which can cling to your favorite clothes—hello, black leggings!" Cheeseman explains.

When it comes to laundry, not all fabrics are created equal. Here's why it's not recommended to wash your towels and clothes together.

Fabric Types Matter

"Towels are rough, and clothes are soft; mixing the two can cause your clothes to lose durability," professional home organizer Victoria Greene notes. Towels, made of absorbent cotton or a cotton blend, are designed to hold moisture, while clothes can be made from various materials like synthetics, cotton, or delicate fabrics.

Towels also tend to be heavier, and their fibers are more abrasive than most clothes. When laundered together, they can potentially cause friction and wear on lighter fabrics, causing them to lose their shape and softness. "Your towels are not meant to be washed with any fabric softener," Greene adds. "Fabric softener will take away the towels' abilities to absorb water—which is kind of the main point, right?" 

Weight and Balance in the Wash

A washer drum that’s packed with both towels and clothes can easily become unbalanced. Towels are typically heavier and denser, which could cause the load to get lopsided during the spin cycle. This imbalance can lead to uneven washing, where your towels may get a more thorough wash than your clothes—or vice versa.

Different Drying Times

Towels and clothes also dry at different rates. Because towels are more absorbent, they require longer drying times than most clothes. If you mix the two, you may find that your clothes dry faster while your towels remain damp. This can lead to extra drying cycles, which not only waste time and energy but also put unnecessary wear and tear on your dryer and clothes.

Washing Temperature Preferences

While many clothes prefer a gentler, cooler wash to preserve their color and fabric integrity, "use hot water when possible to help sanitize towels and kill bacteria," advises Dreyer. Washing towels and clothes together could result in either your clothes fading or your towels failing to reach the higher temperature needed for a deep clean.

Is It Ever Okay to Wash Towels and Clothes Together?

If you’re in a pinch and need to wash towels and clothes together, be sure to adjust the settings accordingly. Adhere to the considerations below to ensure the best results. Ultimately, a little extra time and care will ensure your towels stay fresh, soft, and absorbent while keeping your clothes looking their best.

• Wash Similar Fabrics Together: "If you have to mix towels and clothing, try washing towels with similarly colored, sturdy fabrics," says Dreyer. For example, towels made of cotton can be washed with cotton clothes as long as you’re mindful of the weight difference. However, avoid mixing towels with clothes made of delicate materials like lace, wool, or synthetic fabrics. These will require gentler washing conditions and should ideally be washed separately.
  
• Use a Gentle Cycle Meant for Delicates: If you want to wash towels and clothes together, opt for a gentle cycle that minimizes friction between fabrics.
• Avoid Overloading the Washer: If you decide to combine towels and clothes, it’s important to avoid overloading your washing machine. Overloading will prevent laundry from getting washed thoroughly and could cause them to become tangled or damaged. Aim to fill your washer about three-quarters full to allow room for items to move around and be cleaned effectively.
  

Towel Washing Tips

Washing clothes and towels separately doesn't have to be such a chore. "As a professional organizer, I always recommend setting up simple, sustainable systems at home—laundry included!" says Cheeseman. "To help stay consistent, dedicate a small basket in your laundry area just for towels so they don’t get mixed in with everything else. A little organization goes a long way, even when it comes to dirty laundry."

Also, be sure to wash your towels in a hot water setting—unless the label dictates other care instructions—to ensure they're thoroughly cleaned. Hot water is key to breaking down the oils, bacteria, and residue that towels often collect. "And avoid overloading in order to give towels enough space to rinse and spin properly," adds Dreyer.

For more advice on how to wash towels properly, find step-by-step instructions here.