How to Choose Bath Towels That Last (2024)

FAQs

What type of towels last longest? ›

For soft, absorbent towels that last, first consider two-ply towels made with Pima or Egyptian cotton, or towels that blend cotton with rayon, but they may not last as long.

High-quality towels will feel soft and fluffy to the touch, and they will have a higher GSM. Look for towels made of Terry weave cotton, as these materials are more durable and absorbent. Also, check the stitching on the towel - high-quality towels will have tightly woven edges and minimal loose threads.

Bath towels typically last two to five years, depending on factors like frequency of use and care. Signs it's time to replace them include reduced absorbency, lingering odors, scratchiness, fading colors, rips or holes, mildew, or if they're over five years old.

As a general rule, it is recommended to replace your bath towels every two to three years, with five years the maximum. Over time, frequent laundering and normal wear and tear can cause towels to lose their absorbency and become less soft.

Cotton is the most popular towel material. But not all cotton towels are created equal. High-quality Turkish and Egyptian cotton produce the best, softest, and most absorbent towels. Whether you need them for yourself or your guest bathroom, cotton bath towels are multitaskers and ideal for everyday use.

Wash towels often: Wash your towels often or every three to four days. Wash colored towels with warm water and color-safe bleach. For white towels, use nonchlorine bleach if needed and hot water. Always wash white towels with other white items to avoid discoloration over time.

While luxury bath towels come with a higher price tag, they're also known for their longevity. Made of high-quality materials, they're designed to maintain softness and stand up to frequent use and washing.

In general, anything below 400 GSM is considered lightweight, and 400 to 600 GSM is considered a medium weight. Towels above 600 GSM are the most luxurious, plush, and absorbent, but keep in mind that they'll take some time to dry.

They like the fresh, simplistic appearance of having bright white towels in their bathrooms, and upscale hotels and spas typically opt for this color too. White is a classic option for bath towels, and there are a few key advantages to choosing them for your space.

January is almost always going to be the prime time to buy bedding and linens. Most bedding and linen retailers hold what's called a “White Sale” each January to sell their products at a steep discount. According to CBS News, consumers can expect to save up to 80% this time of year.

When to throw out towels? ›

Ultimately, though, when a towel's threads begin to pull—or you notice a lingering odor, despite a careful wash—it's time to toss it; you can expect body and hand towels to last between two to five years depending on their quality. Wash cloths, on the other hand, should be replaced every one or two years, notes Winch.

Towels absorb a lot of water and remain damp for hours, which is the perfect breeding ground for unwanted germs. That's why towels should be washed every three uses. You have 19 million skin cells and 650 sweat glands in every inch of your body. And one powerful tool keeps it all clean day after day: your bath towel.

Towels. Try to avoid leaving towels in your bathroom when you're not using them. "Similar to books and magazines, fabric can pick up a musty smell with repeated exposure to moisture," says Darla DeMorrow, certified professional organizer and owner of HeartWork Organizing.

“Generally, you should change your towels every three to four uses,” she says. “This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors.” It's important to stick to this clean towel schedule for a few reasons, Chiu notes. Bacteria, dead skin cells, and excess oils from your skin can build up on wet towels.

With the proper use and care, the towels should hold up for 100-500 washes or up to three years. With all that in mind, it's really going to come down to how you're using and caring for your towels. If you're super rough on them, expect to be replacing your microfiber towels more often.

In the end, the difference between Turkish and Egyptian cotton towels can be boiled down to absorbency and speed of drying. While both cottons offer long, absorbent fibers, Egyptian cotton tends to be more absorbent and slower to dry; while Turkish cottons are slightly less absorbent and are quick to dry.

Wear and Tear: With repeated use and washing, the fibers in towels become more relaxed and less stiff, leading to a softer feel over time.

“Generally, you should change your towels every three to four uses,” she says. “This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors.” It's important to stick to this clean towel schedule for a few reasons, Chiu notes. Bacteria, dead skin cells, and excess oils from your skin can build up on wet towels.