In days gone by, wondering if you can wash towels with sheets in the same laundry load was never a thought. That was back when bed sheets and towels were made from cotton and colored items were rare. Remember when everything was white on white? Much has changed as choices of materials and colors have evolved.
Yes, you can still wash sheets and towels together. However, it’s become a bit more of a science for folks who want to ensure your linens maintain some level of integrity. Below, our housekeeping experts here at MaidThis are offering their collective assessment of how to properly handle the washing and drying of sheets and towels.
Why Laundry Hygiene Matters
If the term “laundry hygiene” puzzles you, you are not alone. However, it’s a viable term that covers the importance of making sure your sheets and towels are clean. As you read this information, you’ll want to keep in mind that the relevance of this information increases if you have Airbnb rental units available to the public. Why? Each new guest is entitled to a fresh set of sheets and towels upon their arrival.
Here are the primary reasons why you want to keep your sheets and towels clean:
- Health considerations: To remove pollutants, mold, and harmful that will accumulate over time
- Toweling off with a dirty towel after a bath is counterproductive
- To eliminate odors caused by bacteria, dirt, and sweat
- Comfort: soft sheets and towels feel better against the skin
- Fresh sheets promote better sleeping habits
- Maintain high cleanliness rating from guests (Airbnb hosts)
- Clean sheets and towels tend to last longer, saving money in the long-term
- Help maintain overall cleanliness throughout the entire home
Differences Between Sheets and Towels
As mentioned before, the reason we even wonder if you can wash sheets and towels together is because said items have evolved over the years. While they were once similar items, they now tend to be quite different in a lot of ways.
Material Composition
The purpose of sheets and towels dictates the types of materials that are used to manufacture such items.
Sheets and pillowcases are typically manufactured with softer materials to ensure comfort. Softer materials also translate to delicate fabrics that can be easily damaged if washed and friends with coarse laundry items.
On the other hand, towels are manufactured to be absorbent. That requires the use of fabrics that tend to be a little more coarse. If a cotton towel is washed and dried with a soft microfiber sheet, the sheet might take the worst of it, eventually breaking down.
Washing Requirements
Ultimately, the manufacturer’s washing recommendations should be your guiding force as to whether you can wash your sheets and towels together. While the washing requirements will vary based on fabrics, some general rules can serve as your laundry guide.
- Read the labels for washing instructions. If the instructions are the same, it’s likely okay to wash your sheets and towels together.
- Type of detergent matters. It’s often better to wash sheets with milder detergents while towels can typically withstand the use of harsher detergents.
- Colors come into play when it’s time to select water temperature. It’s noteworthy that sheets made with microfiber materials will “bleed” less than cotton towels. The possibility of color bleeding should influence your sheet/towel washing decision.
Size Matters
Efficiency dictates that you do as few laundry loads as possible. If you can, wash your towels and sheets together in one load. If your sheets or towels are too big, it’s best to separate sheets into one load and towels into a second load.
Pros of Washing Sheets and Towels Together
Here are a few reasons it’s acceptable to wash towels and sheets together.
Time and Energy Efficiency
Combining loads will save time and energy because it lessens the number of loads that need to be washed and dried.
Simplified Laundry Process
The decision to combine sheets and towels into one load streamlines the laundry process by eliminating the need to separate laundry items. This is a particularly useful tip for Airbnb hosts who need to be fast and efficient.
Water conservation
If you support eco-friendly initiatives, washing sheets and towels together for water conservation would be the responsible option.
Cons of Washing Sheets and Towels Together
Honestly, most laundry professionals are against the idea of washing sheets and towels together. Why? Here are a few of the cons they typically give:
Cross-Contamination Risks
Dry sheets absorb more dirt, oils, and bacteria from the body. These are not things you want on your towels.
Fabric Damage
The coarse materials used to manufacture towels may cause unnecessary wear and tear on sheets made with delicate fabrics.
Cleaning Inefficiency
It’s hard to get a balanced wash as towels tend to absorb more detergent and fabric softener than sheets, leaving sheets less clean. Also, towels release more lint that you don’t want on your sheets.
How to Wash Sheets and Towels Properly
Assuming you have decided to wash your sheets and towels separately, here are guides to properly washing each type of laundry item.
Sheets
- Read the labels
- Pre-treat stains as needed
- Set proper washers settings – water temp and cycle preference
- Add preferred detergent & fabric softner
- Put in dryer
Towels
- Read the labels
- Place towels in the washer and avoid overloading
- Add detergent, chlorine, and or baking soda as needed
- Set proper washers settings – water temp and cycle preference
- Remove from washer, shake, and put in the dryer
Conclusion: Can you wash sheets and towels together? Yes, but caution is warranted for the reasons stated above.
Let MaidThis Help You With Your LandryÂ
If you would like help with your laundry, please feel free to contact us. Laundry services are available as stand-alone services or as part of one of our house cleaning packages. Your professionally cleaned laundry will never feel and smell better.
