Towels are a basic personal hygiene item, and it is practical for every household member to have their own set. A typical family kit includes five pieces for the face, hands, feet, body, and intimate areas. This guidance comes from a Gemotest Laboratory specialist, Dr. Roman Ivanov, who spoke with socialbites.ca about best practices in towel use.
He advised that towels should be washed with clear frequency: a body towel every 3 to 4 days, towels used on arms and legs every 2 days, facial towels daily, and towels used for intimate areas after each use. Towels collect more than dust from the street; they also accumulate dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria from the wearer, so regular laundering is essential for hygiene and health.
Maintaining a dry, clean towel environment matters because bacteria multiply in damp spaces. If a towel is not dried thoroughly after use, microbes such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Salmonella can develop, potentially leading to infections. Laundry should be performed at 90°C, and liquid detergents in gel or capsule form are preferable for washing. Powder detergents can still clean effectively but may leave powder residues in the fabric or on the towel fibers, especially if rinsing is not thorough.
After washing, towels should be dried completely and ideally ironed. Wet towels stored in a closet invite bacterial regrowth in a dark, damp setting, even when only small amounts remain damp.
In the warmer months and off-season, it is recommended to wash linens once a week, with more frequent washing during hot summers. In winter, when dust levels fall and temperatures are less conducive to bacterial growth, beds can be redone every two weeks. Those with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, or households with pets sharing the bed, may need to launder linens several times weekly. The same rule applies if someone is ill with a cold or flu, as higher hygiene is prudent to reduce spread of pathogens, according to Dr. Ivanov.
The washing cycle should reflect the fabric of the bed linens, noting that different materials respond to heat and agitation in distinct ways.
When selecting a laundry detergent, it helps to read the product composition. Synthetic powders and gels often include surfactants, phosphates, chlorine, fragrances, and phthalates. These additives aid in water softening, foaming, and stain removal, but some can irritate the skin or respiratory system or trigger allergies. People prone to atopy should use caution with such products.
Phosphate-free detergents tend to have fewer active ingredients, with lower surfactant levels and typically no chlorine or phosphate. They clean well and are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. There are also organic options made from natural ingredients such as soda, soap oils, vegetable oils, and plant extracts, which some households prefer for sensitivities and environmental reasons.
In unrelated news from Anapa, a prior report mentioned a hotel linen stock incident, illustrating the broad relevance of proper textile hygiene across settings.