You don't always have to wash the towels with hot water. The reasons

Lavar the clothing requires certain care, which varies according to the parts that are chosen to go to the machine.

In the case of towels, people usually choose to wash them with hot water to eliminate all germs and bacteria.

Better Homes & Gardens magazine reveals everything you need to know about it.

How to wash towels: A complete guide

Advances in detergent formulas and washing machine technology have changed the way laundry is washed and, consequently, the rules about water temperature.

The new pattern is cold water for everything, including towels, except when warm or hot water is required.

Unused towels (a bath towel that was used one to three times in a week or a used face towel two to three days) should be washed in cold water.

Cold water cleans unused towels, prevents wear and reduces the energy consumption associated with hot water.

When you should use warm or warm water to wash towels

If someone's sick: If anyone at home is sick, wash all the towels that have come into contact with this person in hot water, provided the care label allows it. If hot water damages the towels, use a clothes disinfectant in a cold or warm water cycle to eliminate germs and bacteria;

When exposed to raw meat, poultry or seafood: Wash the kitchen cloths that come into contact with these foods in hot water to prevent the proliferation of bacteria that can cause food poisoning and other foodborne diseases. 

When buying new kitchen cloths, check the care label or product description and choose those that can be safely washed in hot water.

When exposed to dangerous substances: If towels are contaminated with dangerous substances, always wash them in hot water separately from other clothes.

When they're stained: Towels with difficult, yellowish or bold-looking spots can be washed in hot water to help clean. Check the care label for specific instructions on water temperature and which products to use or avoid, such as bleach. 

If you have a bad odor: Wash towels with intense smell in hot water, which helps eliminate bacteria that cause unpleasant odor. 

When used in pets: Wash all animal accessories, including towels used to dry your stepfather after shower, rain or water play in hot water. The tissues used in animals are considered very dirty items, even after a single use, and should be washed in the warmer water they endure.

Tips for washing and taking care of towels

– Wash the new towels before using them;

– Use the correct amount of detergent and avoid using more than necessary to prevent product accumulation, which can cause bad smell and make towels rough;

– When washing towels, avoid softener as it reduces the absorption capacity of the towels and retains bacteria causing bad smell in the fibers;

– Always wash the towels apart from the clothes and, if possible, the sheets;

– Don't dry them in the sun directly.