Can you wash kitchen cloths and towels at the same time?

Dand saves time and energy, it is very common to wash towels and kitchen cloths at the same time. But is this the most recommended practice? Experts answered this question in a Better Homes & Gardens article. 

Is it safe to wash towels and kitchen cloths at the same time?

In most cases the answer is yes. Washing instructions for towels, regardless of their type, are usually the same – although it is recommended to always check the label. 

However, it is worth stressing that as towels and kitchen cloths are used in different ways, each contains the very types of germs, and cross contamination turns out to be a concern. 

Thus, only used kitchen cloths and towels can be washed together in the same machine. As regards cloths, this refers to those used to dry dishes or hands. Regarding towels, these are used once or three times and were put to dry between the uses. 

When to separate the kitchen cloths from the towels

1. When the kitchen cloths have come into contact with raw meat, poultry or seafood

When it comes to dishcloths that come into contact with raw meat, birds or seafood, or that are contaminated for some other reason during food preparation, the ideal is to wash them apart. 

This helps prevent cross contamination and allows you to select the highest water temperature the cloths support.

2. When towels were used by someone sick

Barely used bath towels can and should be washed in cold water, but when in contact with someone sick, they should be washed in hot water. The same applies to sheets and blankets.

3. When a stained towel has to be carried with hot water

If a towel is too dirty and the material can be washed in hot water, it is best to do so because the hot water offers an extra cleaning power for the removal of stains.

Recommendations for washing kitchen cloths and towels

If they have been misused, wash in hot water

Thanks to advances in detergent formulas and in the technology of washing machines, towels and underused kitchen cloths can be washed together in cold water.

Wash the very dirty towels apart in hot water

When a towel has come into contact with raw meat or seafood, it has been used by someone who is ill, or is very dirty, wash it separately in hot water to prevent cross contamination.

Use the correct amount of detergent.

It is important to use the correct amount of detergent to wash towels. Using too much can leave soap residue that makes them rough.

Avoid clothing softeners

Avoid wearing clothing softeners, as they can leave a layer on towels that makes them less absorbent and more prone to harboring bacteria that cause bad smell.

Wash the towels apart

Separate clothes and towels into different machines. Washing clothes and towels together can cause wire transfer and damage to clothes.