While it may seem efficient to wash towels and clothes together, doing so can lead to premature fabric damage, hygiene concerns, and higher energy bills. Towels require hot water, longer wash cycles, and heavier agitation to fully clean out absorbed oils and bacteria. In contrast, clothes—especially delicates—can shrink, fade, or stretch under such intense treatment. Mixing the two often results in under-cleaned towels and over-washed garments, causing faster wear and tear on both.

Another major issue is lint. Towels shed a large amount of lint during washing and drying, which easily transfers to clothes—especially dark or synthetic fabrics—leaving them looking worn or unkempt. Over time, this lint buildup can also reduce towel absorbency and clog dryer vents. Separating loads significantly reduces lint transfer and helps both towels and clothing maintain their quality and appearance for longer.

Towels and clothes also differ in durability. Towels are rough and bulky, while clothes—particularly those with zippers, buttons, or soft fibers—are more delicate. When washed together, the abrasive interaction between these fabrics can cause damage, such as pilling, stretched collars, or torn seams. Keeping them apart protects each fabric type and prevents unnecessary wear.

There’s also the matter of hygiene. Towels often contain bacteria, sweat, skin cells, and even pet dander—especially if reused multiple times. Washing them with everyday clothes, particularly undergarments, can lead to cross-contamination. Properly washing towels in hot water and isolating them from personal clothing is especially important for households with children, older adults, or immunocompromised individuals.

Lastly, towels and clothes have different drying needs. Towels are bulky and take longer to dry, while lightweight clothing may over-dry and shrink. This mismatch leads to inefficient drying, wasted energy, and inconsistent laundry results. By separating laundry based on fabric type and wash requirements, you can improve overall cleanliness, preserve fabric quality, and reduce energy costs. In the long run, small changes in laundry habits—like sorting towels from clothes—pay off with softer towels, brighter clothing, and fewer fabric-related frustrations.