A pharmacist has given the ‘definitive’ answer of how often you should change and wash your bathroom towels – and warned that a quarter potentially could transmit serious illnesses. Viral pharmacist on social media, Álvaro Fernández, also known as @farmaceuticofernandez, posted a video on his TikTok account talking through the issue.
He said: “Bathroom towels and kitchen cloths are perfect refuges for microorganisms causing gastrointestinal and skin diseases.” The most functional preventive measure in these cases is always to wash them often and dry them well. “Obviously, the longer they go unwashed, the more microorganisms can accumulate,” adds Fernández. In the study he used to support his theory, the research tested family towels that hadn’t been washed for a week: “89% of them had bacteria that could cause mild illnesses.” He said research showed the most striking part is that 25% of all towels could transmit serious diseases.
Some people let the towel dry outside the bathroom to prevent possible bacterial build-up. Fernández said that while this action prevents the proliferation of some organiasms, both bathroom towels and kitchen cloths people use daily are breeding grounds for germs that cause diseases. He said changing these items is essential to avoid contracting any sudden and unexpected infections.
Another factor directly affecting various germs is sharing the same towel. The need for having one’s own towel lies in the potential spread of infections. “Never share towels because if one of you has an infection, lice or something worse, the possibility of transmission is big,” clarifies the pharmacist.
The final answer is clear: “The definitive recommendation is to change towels every 3 or 4 days.” He also makes a small clarification since this recommendation mainly refers to hotter months. Thus it should be followed “especially in summer.”
Álvaro’s advice on bathroom towels:
- Change your bath towels every 3 to 4 days. After each use, towels are damp, which creates the perfect environment for the proliferation of bacteria, fungi and bad odours.
- Hand towels should be changed every 1 or 2 days. They are the most used and shared, and they accumulate dirt and germs quickly.
Tips to keep them fresh and clean:
- Let them dry completely after each use.
- Wash them with hot water and a good detergent.
- Avoid using them more than recommended; your skin will thank you!