In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we pay full attention to the cleanliness of our clothes, facial care and eating habits, but we often ignore that one important thing which comes in direct contact with our skin immediately after bathing – our bath towel. It is a common practice in most of the houses that after bathing, the towel is hung on the hook of the bathroom or is left wet on the bed, and no one bothers to wash it for weeks. If you also have the same habit, then this carelessness can be very costly for your skin, hair and overall health. According to health experts and microbiologists, a damp and dirty towel becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungus and germs. When we come out of the bath, our body is not completely germ-free. The dirt gets washed off with water and soap, but millions of dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, natural oil (sebum) and normal bacteria present on the body stick to the fibers of the towel. Along with this, when the towel absorbs the moisture of the body, it becomes completely drenched. If this wet towel is left in a closed and damp bathroom, the moisture, darkness and heat create an ideal environment for germs to grow rapidly. How often should bath towels be washed? American and international health organizations (such as the CDC and the American Cleaning Institute), as well as dermatologists, recommend that bath towels be washed after a maximum of 3 to 4 uses. This simply means that if you bathe once a day, it is mandatory to wash the towel with hot water and detergent every 3 days. However, this 3 day rule only applies if you spread the towel out completely and dry it in the sun or in a well-ventilated area after every use. If your towel does not dry completely and even a slight dampness or musty smell starts coming from it, then it should be put in the wash immediately without waiting for 3 days. The smell is direct evidence that colonies of bacteria and mold (fungus) have formed in the towel fibers. In which situations is it necessary to wash after every use? In some specific circumstances, you should not make the mistake of using a towel for 3 days and have to wash it after a single use: After the gym or workout: It is important to wash the gym towel used to wipe sweat after every session, because bacteria multiply very quickly in sweat. In case of illness or skin infection: If any family member is suffering from cold, flu, ringworm, scabies or any other infectious skin disease, their towels should be immediately disinfected in hot water after one use. Severe acne or eczema: If the skin on your face or back is extremely sensitive and prone to breakouts, it is safest to change your face towel daily. Big harm to health due to leaving a wet towel: The habit of hanging wet towels inside the bathroom or in a closed room can give rise to many health problems: Fungal and yeast infections: 'Candida' and other fungi grow rapidly in wet towels. When you dry your thighs, underarms or private parts with the same towel, the risk of stubborn fungal infections like 'Jock Itch', ringworm and athlete's foot increases manifold. Acne and skin allergies: The dead cells and bacteria like 'Staphylococcus' present in the dirty towel enter the open pores of your face again through the towel. This causes serious pimples, blackheads and skin irritation on the face. Unpleasant odor and shortness of breath: Damp towels can grow mold and mildew. For people who already suffer from asthma, bronchitis or dust/damp allergies, coming in contact with such towels can trigger sneezing, cough and respiratory problems. Correct Scientific Method of Washing and Drying Towel Simply rinsing the towel in water is not enough; It is important to sanitize it properly: Use of hot water: Whenever possible, wash towels in 60 degrees Celsius or lukewarm water with a good anti-bacterial detergent. Hot water completely destroys the bacteria and oil hidden within the fibers. Drying in the sun is best: After washing, spread the towel out in the bright sunlight and dry it. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays act as a natural disinfectant and eliminate damp odor from its roots. Limit use of fabric softener: Using too much fabric softener leaves a waxy layer on the towel fibers, which reduces the towel's ability to absorb water. Instead of this, sometimes adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle keeps the towel soft and also removes the smell. Follow these rules while using towel: To maintain hygiene, it is very important to include some basic rules in your daily routine. The first and foremost rule is to never share your towel with anyone; Even among family members, each person should have his own separate towel. Second, never twist or fold the towel after bathing; Spread it along the entire width directly on the wire in the open air. Third, do not use the same towel for more than 1 to 2 years, because repeated washing wears out its fibers and loses their absorbency. This seemingly small precaution can keep you safe from many serious skin infections.
