For most households, washing towels and sheets about once a week is a sensible target. Wash sooner when items stay damp, smell, or become visibly soiled, and adjust for illness, heavy sweating, allergies, pets, heat, or humidity. These are practical expert recommendations, not a single binding public-health rule.
How often to wash bath and hand towels
Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Alok Vij advises washing bath and hand towels at least once a week. Utah State University Extension, summarizing American Cleaning Institute advice, gives a different practical interval for bath towels: after three to four uses. These recommendations differ, so treat them as guidance rather than a universal rule. Choose the shorter interval if towels remain damp between uses or your household needs more frequent washing.
Humidity can slow drying. Cleveland Clinic says households where towels stay damp may need to wash them two to three times a week. Wash more often during illness or if you have a damaged skin barrier.
Washcloths and gym towels
Washcloths should be laundered more often than ordinary bath towels, especially when illness or skin concerns are involved. A gym towel that sits damp in a bag or locker for hours should be replaced with a fresh one daily. CDC also advises against sharing towels and washcloths as personal items in its MRSA prevention guidance.
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- Wash before first use. Wash them on their own, use mild detergent and avoid bleach & fabric softeners. Refrain from ironing
- Use tumble dry on low heat. Over-drying towels can increase linting and reduce lifespan of towels. Shedding is natural on initial wash/dry cycles
Between uses, let towels dry fully
Hang a wet towel spread out on a towel bar rather than leaving it bunched up. A lingering odor is a practical cue to wash it. If it still smells after laundering, stop using it as a personal towel.
How often to wash sheets and pillowcases
Cleveland Clinic says medical experts advise washing bed sheets at least weekly. Its dermatologist also describes changing sheets every one to two weeks as a practical tip, while Utah State University Extension lists weekly washing for sheets and pillowcases. For a straightforward routine, aim for weekly laundering, particularly if someone in the household has allergies or the bed is exposed to conditions that call for more frequent changes.
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Wash sooner when you share the bed with pets, sleep in hot or humid conditions, sweat heavily, are ill or have an infection, or sleep naked. Cleveland Clinic reports that dermatologist Sean McGregor says the average person sheds 1.5 grams of keratinocytes per day; this is a figure reported by the clinic through its dermatologist source, not a frequency rule or a measure of infection risk.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to launder towels and sheets
- Check the care label. Follow the textile maker’s instructions for washing and drying.
- Use detergent and the recommended water temperature. The CDC’s household guidance says: “Launder using detergent and recommended water temperature.”
- Dry everything completely. Do not put damp items away or leave them bunched up after washing.
CDC says it is safe to wash a sick person’s dirty laundry with other people’s items. Its household guidance does not set a universal washing schedule; use the item-specific intervals and circumstances above. Avoid sharing personal towels and washcloths, as CDC recommends in its MRSA prevention guidance.
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Sources and scope
- Cleveland Clinic, “How Often Should You Wash Your Bath Towels?” (September 11, 2024), with advice from dermatologist Alok Vij.
- Cleveland Clinic, “How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets” (August 15, 2025), with advice from dermatologist Sean McGregor.
- CDC, “When and How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home” (January 31, 2025), for household laundry handling.
- CDC MRSA prevention guidance (June 27, 2025), for not sharing personal towels and washcloths.
- Utah State University Extension laundry advice (February 19, 2021), which lists bath towels after three to four uses and sheets and pillowcases weekly.
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