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The Common Mistake Everyone Makes When Washing Towels — And Why It Doesn’t Remove Bacteria or Dead Skin Cells
Towels are a household essential we use every day—after showers, workouts, or washing our hands. But here’s something most people don’t realize: washing your towels the wrong way can leave behind bacteria, dead skin cells, and lingering odors, even if they look clean.
If your freshly washed towels still smell musty or feel stiff, chances are you’re making one of the most common laundry mistakes that prevents towels from getting truly clean.
Let’s break down what that mistake is—and how to fix it.
🧼 The #1 Mistake: Using Too Much Detergent
Yes, you read that right. Using too much detergent can actually make your towels dirtier over time.
Here’s why:
- Excess detergent doesn’t always rinse out completely.
- It builds up in the fabric, trapping dead skin cells, body oils, and bacteria.
- That buildup also attracts more dirt and makes towels feel stiff and less absorbent.
In fact, over-detergenting is one of the leading causes of that funky towel smell—even after they’ve been through the wash.
🧴 Why Towels Hold Onto Bacteria
Towels are the perfect environment for bacteria:
- They stay damp for long periods.
- They come into direct contact with your skin, sweat, and natural oils.
- When not dried properly, they become a breeding ground for microbes, including Staphylococcus and E. coli.
A quick rinse with detergent isn’t enough to eliminate these unless you’re washing towels properly.
✅ How to Wash Towels the Right Way
Here are tried-and-true tips to make sure your towels are fresh, fluffy, and bacteria-free:
