Towels that have been used once and become damp: ‘Should I wash them right away?’ or ‘Can I use them more?’… Which is correct?

◇Wash immediately or dry for 1-2 days and then collect and wash.

If your towels get damp after use, wash them immediately. If washing them every time is difficult, dry them on a drying rack and then collect them for washing. To avoid overcrowding, don't let them sit for more than 1-2 days. If your towels start to smell even slightly strange, wash them immediately. This is a sign that mold or bacteria have begun to grow on them. Furthermore, hanging used towels in a hot and humid bathroom can lead to bacterial and mold growth, so wash them as soon as possible. A damp bathroom is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Bacteria and mold can grow not only on the toilet and tiles, but also on towels that have been hung after use. Be careful, as using a towel that has grown bacteria or mold can cause minor skin problems on your face and body.

Wash towels separately and use sodium percarbonate to remove odor.

When washing towels, always wash them separately from other clothing. Washing a lint-laden towel with other clothes can cause dirt and bacteria from other clothes to stick to the lint. The friction between the towel and other clothing can also cause the lint to fray. Use fabric softener sparingly. Too much fabric softener can reduce the towel's ability to absorb moisture. If the towel has a stained area, has a strong odor, or the odor persists after washing and drying, it's likely bacteria or mold. In this case, soak the towel in hot water with a tablespoon of baking soda for about 20 minutes, hand wash until the mold disappears, and dry in the sun. Washing with a tablespoon of vinegar and baking soda in the washing machine or boiling the towel separately is also a good option. Hang the towel immediately after washing. If it's not drying quickly, use a dryer, dehumidifier, or fan.

◇It's best to store towels outside the bathroom, and replace them every 1-2 years.

It's best to hang towels in a dry place outside the bathroom. If you must hang them in the bathroom, always dry them after each use. It's also important not to stack towels. Folding towels or stacking two or more towels creates moisture, which promotes bacteria growth. Therefore, it's best to hang them flat, one at a time, to ensure proper ventilation. If a towel has darkened in some areas, it's likely mold, so it's best to throw it away. It's best to replace towels no more than every one to two years. If you have young children with sensitive skin, change them more frequently.