Can You Wash Towels with Clothes in the Washing Machine?
Many households face the question of whether it's okay to toss towels in with the clothes for a laundry load. Some suggest it's an easy way to handle the wash, while others are wary of the risks. Below, we'll explore the potential drawbacks and benefits, offering tips for a successful laundry experience.
Why Not to Mix Towels with Clothes
The primary concern when washing towels with clothes is the lint issue. Towels, being heavy and made of cotton, produce a significant amount of lint when washed. This lint can stick to the non-terry fabric of clothes, potentially ruining them. Additionally, adding towels to a small load of clothes can overload the washing machine, leading to uneven washing and drying.
Light vs. Heavy Fabrics
Clothes are typically light and dry faster compared to towels, which are heavier and take longer to dry. Separating towels from clothes ensures that both fabrics receive the proper care and prevent lint from transferring to delicate garments.
Water and Rinse Solutions
Using vinegar in the rinse cycle for towels helps in reducing the lint. This method is particularly useful if you're washing clothes and towels together. However, some caution against washing clothes with towels due to the lint risk. If you choose to mix them, consider omitting fabric softener to minimize lint production.
When It's Okay to Mix
There are certain instances where it might be acceptable to wash towels with clothes:
Vinegar Solution
Using vinegar in the rinse cycle is a popular solution among those who wash towels and clothes together. Vinegar helps break down lint and keeps it in the wash, thus preventing it from clinging to clothes.
Color Consideration
If you have light-colored towels and similarly colored clothes, these can be washed together. However, it's generally safer to keep white towels, socks, and underwear separate from dark or colored clothes. Using a more aggressive wash cycle (hot water) and adding bleach can help ensure that any human fluid stains are thoroughly cleaned.
Pro Tips for Cleaning Towels
To ensure your towels stay clean and in good condition, it's best to wash them separately from clothes. Here are some tips for successful towel washing:
Washing New Towels
New towels should be washed separately for the first few cycles to remove any residual sizing or chemicals that might not have been washed out during manufacturing. Adding bleach to the wash can help eliminate any lingering odors and ensure a fresh start for your towels.
Stain Removal
If towels get stained, you can use a hot water wash and color-safe bleach to treat the stains effectively. This method is especially useful for removing urine or other stains that are common with frequent use.
Tips for Fabric Softener
When washing towels with clothes, omit fabric softener to prevent excess lint. This is important if you're trying to minimize lint transfer to sensitive fabrics.
In conclusion, while you can wash towels with clothes in the washing machine, it's generally best to keep them separate for optimal fabric care. Using the right techniques and solutions can help mitigate the risks associated with combining towels and clothes in one load. Whether you choose to wash them separately or together, regular maintenance and proper washing techniques will ensure your towels stay clean and in great condition.