Best practice: wash towels separately. While it won't cause disaster to mix them occasionally, there are good reasons to keep them apart.
Why Separate Washing Is Better
Temperature Differences
Towels benefit from hotter water (40-60°C) to kill bacteria and remove body oils. Many clothes require cooler temperatures to prevent shrinkage and colour fading.
Lint Transfer
New towels especially shed lint that transfers to clothes - particularly problematic for dark garments. Even established towels produce some lint.
Weight and Abrasion
Wet towels are heavy and can:
- Damage delicate fabrics
- Tangle with clothes
- Cause uneven washing
- Stress zippers and buttons
Different Drying Needs
Towels take longer to dry than most clothes. Mixed loads mean either:
- Over-drying clothes (wear, shrinkage)
- Under-drying towels (odour, mildew)
When Mixing Is Acceptable
If you must combine loads:
- Wash towels with similar items (jeans, sturdy cotton)
- Avoid mixing with delicates, knits, or dark clothes
- Use the towel-appropriate temperature
- Accept some lint transfer
What to Never Mix with Towels
- Delicate fabrics
- Dark clothing (lint shows)
- Items with hooks or Velcro (snag loops)
- Heavily soiled work clothes
- Microfibre cloths (different care needs)
The Practical Reality
Many households mix towels and clothes out of necessity. It's not ideal, but it won't ruin everything. Just be aware of the trade-offs.