Bath towels: Can be washed in warm water (104°F). But hot water can damage the fibers over time.

The problem: If you wash them together, you have to choose a temperature. If you wash at the wrong temperature, you could be spreading germs.

The Fabric Difference

Kitchen towels: Are usually made of cotton, which is durable and absorbent.

Bath towels: Can be made of cotton, or a cotton-blend, but they’re often more delicate.

The problem: Washing them together in hot water can damage the fibers of delicate towels.

The Detergent Issue

Kitchen towels: Need a heavy-duty detergent to cut through grease.

Bath towels: Need a gentler detergent to protect the fibers.

The problem: You can’t use both.

Bath towels: Can shed a lot of lint.

Kitchen towels: Are usually made of a tighter weave, so they don’t shed as much.

The problem: If you wash them together, the lint from the bath towels can transfer to the kitchen towels.

Kitchen towels: Are often white or light-colored.

Bath towels: Can be any color.

The problem: If you wash dark bath towels with light kitchen towels, the colors can bleed.

Wash: In hot water (140°F or higher).

Detergent: Use a heavy-duty detergent.

Bleach: Use oxygen bleach to whiten and disinfect.

Dry: Tumble dry on high heat.

Frequency: Wash after every use.

Wash: In warm water (104°F).

Detergent: Use a gentle detergent.

Fabric softener: Use sparingly, if at all.

Dry: Tumble dry on low heat.

Frequency: Wash every 3-4 uses.