Throwing towels in with your regular laundry might seem efficient, but it’s a habit that can damage both your clothes and towels. While it may save time initially, combining these items in a single load can lead to hygiene issues, fabric wear, and poor cleaning results.

Towels require a much different wash cycle than typical clothing. Because they’re thick and absorbent, towels need a longer, hotter wash to be fully cleaned. Clothes—especially delicates or synthetic fabrics—often need a gentler cycle. Mixing them together means you either under-clean your towels or damage your clothes, depending on the setting.

Lint is another major issue. Towels, especially new ones, shed a lot of it. When mixed with clothes—especially dark or synthetic items—lint can stick, creating a fuzzy mess that often requires a second wash. This not only wastes time but also wears down your clothing unnecessarily.

There’s also the risk of physical damage. Towels’ rough texture can cause pilling or stretching in lighter fabrics, while zippers and buttons from clothing can wear down or snag towels. Beyond the physical wear, there’s a hygienic concern: towels carry more bacteria, sweat, and dead skin, which can transfer onto clothes if washed together.

Lastly, towels dry slower than most garments due to their thickness. Mixing them in the dryer with clothes can result in uneven drying—soggy towels or overdried, shrunken clothes. For the best results, wash towels separately using hot water, a full rinse cycle, and proper detergent to keep everything clean and long-lasting.