Let’s be honest—kitchen towels are the unsung heroes of the home. They clean up spills, dry our hands, help us grab hot pans, and sometimes even stand in as makeshift oven mitts when we’re in a pinch. But with all that hard work, how often should we really be tossing them in the laundry?
Spoiler alert: probably more often than you think.
Kitchen Towels Get Gross Fast
Kitchen towels may look clean on the surface, but they’re secretly party central for germs. They’re constantly picking up food particles, grease, moisture, and bacteria from our hands, counters, and dishes. A 2018 study even found that towels used in the kitchen can harbor bacteria like E. coli and Staph—especially if they’re damp or used for multiple tasks.
If you’re using the same towel to dry your hands and wipe down the counter (and maybe dry a dish or two), it’s time to rethink your strategy.
So, How Often Should You Wash Them?
Here’s a good rule of thumb:
Every second day. Yep, every second day.
It might sound like overkill, but swapping out your kitchen towel every other day—especially if it’s being used heavily—helps prevent the spread of bacteria and keeps things fresh. Think of it like your toothbrush or your underwear… it’s touching a lot of things, and regular cleaning just makes sense.
Of course, there are a few exceptions:
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If a towel gets soaked or used to wipe up raw meat juice (ew)—it should go straight into the wash immediately.
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If you live alone and your towel doesn’t get much action, you might be able to stretch it to every couple of days. Just make sure it’s staying dry and not funky.
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Designated drying towels (for clean dishes only) can be used a bit longer than hand towels, but they still benefit from a refresh every few days.
Quick Tips to Keep Towels Fresh
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Rotate them every second day: Keep a stack of clean towels handy so it’s easy to grab a new one every other morning.
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Let them dry completely between uses: A damp towel is bacteria’s favorite hangout spot. Hang it up after each use so it can breathe.
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Wash in warm water: When it’s laundry time, warm water helps kill bacteria and get rid of lingering smells. A bit of white vinegar in the wash can also help with freshness and disinfecting!
Bottom Line?
Your kitchen towel might look clean, but if it’s been through a few meals, some hand-drying, and a spill or two, it’s probably time for a wash. A fresh towel every other day is a simple way to keep your kitchen more hygienic—and your food (and family) a little safer.
Plus, nothing beats the feeling of a fresh, fluffy towel hanging on your oven door. It’s the little things, right?