Washing kitchen and bath towels in the same load of laundry seems like a no-brainer. They’re both towels, after all, but since they’re used for different purposes, you might be concerned about whether it’s safe to launder them together. The answer is mostly yes, but sometimes no, which can be confusing and frustrating.

To take the guesswork out of this tricky laundry question, this guide outlines the factors to consider before washing kitchen and bath towels together, and the circumstances under which it is best to launder them separately.

Is It Safe to Wash Kitchen and Bath Towels Together?

For the most part, it is safe to wash kitchen and bath towels together. The care instructions for washing towels, regardless of type (bath, beach, kitchen, hand, or washcloth), are typically the same, although you should always consult the care tag for guidance on water temperature, recommended settings, products to avoid (such as chlorine bleach), and drying instructions, as they can vary.

Because kitchen and bath towels are used differently, they harbor their own types of bacteria and germs, making cross-contamination a concern. Lightly used kitchen and bath towels can be washed together in the same load. “Lightly used” refers to a kitchen towel used to dry dishes or hands, or to wipe up water and other small messes. In bath towels, lightly used refers to towels that have been used once to three times to dry off after a bath or shower and then hung to dry between uses.

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When to Separate Kitchen and Bath Towels

There are three circumstances in which it is best to separate kitchen towels from bath towels and wash them in separate loads to prevent cross-contamination.

1. When Kitchen Towels Have Been in Contact with Raw Meat, Poultry, or Seafood

There is no concern with washing lightly used kitchen towels in the same load as bath towels, but when it comes to kitchen towels that have come into contact with raw meat, poultry, or seafood, or that are otherwise contaminated from food preparation, it’s best to wash them in their own load. This helps prevent cross-contamination and allows you to select the hottest water setting the towels can tolerate, which is ideal when washing heavily soiled kitchen towels.

2. When Bath Towels Are Used by Someone Who Is Sick

Lightly used bath towels can and should be washed in cold water, but when you or someone in your family has been sick, household linens, such as sheets, blankets, and towels that they came into contact with, should be washed in hot water. Those items should also be washed in their own load, separate from anything else, including kitchen towels.

3. When a Stained Towel Will Benefit from Hot Water

If a towel is deeply stained and the material can be washed in hot water, it is best to do so, as hot water can provide extra cleaning power for stain removal. This may mean washing stained towels in a separate load from lightly used towels to avoid unnecessarily exposing them to hot water, which can cause damage and shorten their life span.

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Best Practices for Laundering Kitchen and Bath Towels

Wash Lightly Used Kitchen and Bath Towels in Cold Water

Thanks to advances in detergent formulas and washing machine technology, lightly used bath and kitchen towels can be washed together using cold water.

Wash Heavily Soiled or Stained Towels Separately, in Hot Water

When a towel has been in contact with raw meat, poultry, or seafood, or has been used by someone who is sick, or is heavily stained, wash it in a separate load in hot water to prevent cross-contamination.

Use the Correct Amount of Detergent

It is important to use the correct amount of laundry detergent when washing towels; using too much can leave soap residue that makes bath and kitchen towels feel stiff and can cause odors in otherwise clean towels.

Avoid Fabric Softeners

Avoid using liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as they can leave a coating on towels that makes them less absorbent and more prone to harboring odor-causing bacteria.

Wash Towels Separately from Clothes

Separate clothes and towels into their own loads. Washing clothes and towels together can cause lint transfer and damage to clothing. Also, towels are heavier and require longer drying times and different handling from clothes.

Dry Towels Thoroughly

Towels should be fully dry when they come out of the dryer, as damp towels can mildew quickly. However, it is important to avoid over-drying, which can weaken the towel’s fibers and cause fraying, thinning, and pilling.