How Often Should You Replace Towels?
How often should you replace towels? Good cotton lasts for years of regular use, but fraying, odour and thin patches tell you when it is time.
How often should you replace towels? A simple rule
How often you should replace towels depends on how often they are washed, how they are dried and the quality of the cotton. A towel that no longer absorbs, has thin or frayed patches or keeps a musty smell after washing is ready to go. Rotating two sets and washing at the recommended temperature helps towels last. The basics of cotton fibre explain why a towel softens with use and then slowly wears.
The short answer
With normal use and correct washing, a good quality cotton towel lasts several years. Replace it when it stops doing its job, not because of a date on the calendar.
Signs it is time to replace your towels
- Frayed or unravelling edges and hems
- Thin patches where you can see through the loops
- Permanent stains or a musty smell that returns after washing
- Loss of absorbency, where water seems to sit on the surface
- A scratchy or stiff feel that washing does not fix
Make towels last longer
Wash at the temperature on the care label, use only a little detergent and skip too much fabric softener, which coats fibres and reduces absorbency. Dry fully before folding. Read our guide to washing towels.
Choosing a long-lasting towel
Yarn quality and weight both matter. See what GSM means and browse our 100% combed cotton towels.
Frequently asked questions
How long do bath towels last?
With normal use and good care, quality cotton towels commonly last several years.
Why do my towels smell even after washing?
Damp storage or too much detergent and softener can trap odours. Wash hot enough for the fabric, dry fully and reduce detergent.
Should I rotate towels?
Yes. Using two or three in rotation spreads wear and lets each one dry fully.
Can old towels be reused?
Yes, as cleaning cloths, pet towels or for the gym, once they are no longer pleasant to use on skin.
More guides
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