- Pilling
- Stretching
- Fading
- Misshapen garments
- Worn elastic
- Damaged decorative details
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Clothing can also damage towels.
Open zippers, hooks, rough fasteners, and sharp embellishments may catch on towel loops and pull the threads.
If you must combine a load, close zippers, fasten hooks, turn decorated clothing inside out, and avoid adding delicate pieces.
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4. Mixed Loads May Dry Unevenly
Towels usually take longer to dry than T-shirts, underwear, or lightweight pajamas.
When everything is dried together, the clothes may become overdried before the towels are fully dry. Excessive drying can shrink fabrics, fade colors, and weaken elastic.
If the cycle is stopped when the clothes are ready, the towels may remain damp.
Damp towels stored or folded too soon can develop a stale or musty smell.
Separating towels makes it easier to choose an appropriate drying time and temperature for each fabric type.
5. Colors and Residue Can Transfer
New or dark towels may release dye during washing.
A dark towel mixed with pale clothing can leave lighter items looking dull or discolored. White towels can also collect dye from darker garments.
Sorting towels by color helps reduce this problem:
- Wash white towels together.
- Group light-colored towels.
- Wash dark or brightly colored towels separately.
- Keep new towels away from pale clothing for the first few washes.
Towels may also collect body oils, cosmetics, hair products, or cleaning residue. Washing them separately can prevent those soils from transferring to clothing.
Can Towels Ever Be Washed With Clothes?
Yes, when the items are compatible.
A mixed load may be reasonable when:
- The colors are similar
- Everything is made from sturdy cotton
- The care labels allow the same settings
- The towels are not new or heavily linting
- The clothing has no delicate details
- The load is not overcrowded
Examples might include older towels washed with durable cotton socks, plain T-shirts, or cotton pajamas.
Even then, the load should have enough room to move freely.
Do not fill the washer tightly. Overloading can prevent proper rinsing and leave both towels and clothes less clean.
What Should Never Go With Towels?
It is generally better to keep towels away from:
See more on the next page to continue reading →
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