If you have a strong attachment to some of your favourite bath towels, you might be avoiding the idea of replacing them.
Maybe they’re the perfect size and softness, or they’ve been in rotation for years and are still super absorbent (despite thinning fabric).
But what are the signs that it might be time to get rid of them? And what fabrics are best when choosing new ones?
How long do bath towels last?
This largely depends on how often you’re using and washing them, according to Rebecca Van Amber, an expert in textile sustainability and senior lecturer at the School of Fashion and Textiles at RMIT University in Naarm/Melbourne.
“Some people might have a lot of bath towels, so they might last longer if they’re not getting used as frequently,” she says.
“Other people might have fewer bath towels [that] are really in high rotation.
Rebecca Van Amber says using old bath towels is a sustainable choice. (Supplied: Rebecca Van Amber)
“They’re probably not going to last as long if you’re washing them all the time.”
Dr Van Amber says if you buy a good quality bath towel, it should last at least five or six years.
Petr Houf, the director and designer of Australian linen brand Bemboka, says the life span of a bath towel “typically ranges from one to three years, depending on usage and care”.
“The durability of a towel is influenced by its material, quality and the frequency of use and washing,” he says.
Signs it might be time to replace towels
Mr Houf says if your bath towels have lost absorbency, have fraying edges, persistent odours or a rough texture, they may have reached the end of their life.
“Investing in high-quality towels and following proper care instructions can extend their life span,” he says.
“But staying vigilant about their condition ensures you always have fresh and clean towels for your daily routine.”
Petr Houf says following care instructions can extend a towel’s life span. (Supplied: Bemboka)
Dr Van Amber says if you can “see through” the fabric, it might be time to consider new towels.
But she says there is no specific time limit to a bath towel, and replacing them largely comes down to personal preference.
“If you love them and there’s nothing really objectionable to them, then keep using them,” she says.
“That’s the most sustainable choice.”
What if my bath towels smell?
If your bath towels have persistent odours, even after washing, it doesn’t mean they need to go in the rag drawer.
Dr Van Amber says washing towels in cold water does not remove bacteria and dirt as effectively as washing on a warmer temperature.
“I would recommend doing a hot wash and adding a tablespoon of Borax powder instead of fabric softener,” she says.
“Fabric softener is designed to make towels soft and fluffy … [but] it puts a coating on your bath towel which may attract bacteria and odours.”
She also recommends keeping up cleaning and maintenance of your washing machine.
“Your washing machine itself might have a funky smell that is then transferring to your bath towels, potentially.”
Cara McDonald, a dermatologist based in Naarm/Melbourne, agrees that washing practices are important to maintaining towels.
“Older towels wouldn’t be any more risk than newer ones [for bacteria], so long as they were washed property,” Dr McDonald says.
“Dry them properly and avoid moisture retention.”
She says sharing bath towels poses a greater risk of transferring bacteria to people.
“It is possible to transfer pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus from one host to another via a towel.”
What fabrics are best for bath towels?
Dr Van Amber recommends bath towels that are made from 100 per cent cotton.
“That purely comes down to the absorbency,” she says.
“Towels that are synthetic fibres, like polyester, they’re not going to be as absorbent.”
She says polyester-blended fabrics may also shed in the wash.
“That shedding means those fibres are literally coming off the fabric in the washing machine.”
Mr Houf recommends towels that are made from Egyptian cotton or Turkish cotton.
“These tend to last longer than lower-quality options,” he says.
“These [fabrics] are known for their superior softness, absorbency, and durability, allowing them to withstand regular washing and daily use more effectively.”