When Can You Wash Towels and Sheets Together and When Should Combining Linens Be Avoided?
It’s laundry day, and you just want to get it over with.
You consider making one full load and throwing towels and sheets in together. After all, mixing items could save energy and money and spare you the trouble of dealing with two different loads.
But is this a good idea?
Keep reading because this article will answer this question, provide the pros and cons of washing sheets and towels, and much more.
Table of Contents
Can You Wash Sheets and Towels Together?
Yes. It is technically possible to wash sheets and towels simultaneously. But before throwing everything into one load, you’ll want to consider:
Linen colors
Fabric type
Care instructions
Use of fabric softener; and
Number of uses
5 Considerations To Make Before Washing Bed and Bath Linens Together
#1: Linen Colors
To prevent color bleeding and maintain your fabrics’ vibrancy, consider the linen color when washing bed sheets and towels together. The best way to do this is to separate linens by color.
For white linens to stay bright, bleach or stain remover may be required. It is recommended to wash dark and vivid colors together and use color-catching sheets to prevent dye transfer.
In addition, sheets and towels can be washed in different water temperatures, but a cooler or warmer water temperature may be better for your detergent.
#2: Fabric Type
To ensure proper care and maintain the quality of your linens, you should consider the fabric type before washing sheets and towels together.
Different fabrics have different care requirements:
Cotton: Linens made from cotton are generally durable and can be machine-washed together.
Linen: Delicate and prone to wrinkles, linens made of linen are best washed separately.
Flannel: You can wash flannel with similar fabrics, but be careful with hot temperatures since flannel is prone to shrinkage.
Bamboo: Due to the possibility of linting, bamboo should be kept separate from other fabrics.
#3: Care Instructions
The temperature of the water and the kind of cycle differ based on the fabric type.
For example, suppose one linen is polyester, and one is cotton. In that case, the care instructions will likely differ, and you should only wash at the maximum temperature the fabric tolerates.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for load size and water temperature and use a suitable detergent.
#4: Using Fabric Softener
Using fabric softeners on towels is not recommended because they can affect moisture retention.
If you don't mind skipping softener on your sheets, you can wash them together; however, it's best to separate the loads if you want a softener on your sheets.
#5: Number of Uses
In general, towels need to be washed more frequently than sheets. This means if you wash them together, you're either not washing your towels enough or washing your sheets too frequently, reducing their lifespan.
A good rule of thumb is that a bed sheet should be washed every one to two weeks, while a bath towel should be washed every three to four uses. Pillowcases can harbor many germs and should be washed even more frequently.
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Pros and Cons of Washing Sheets and Towels Together
Although washing towels and sheets together can be convenient, it has some drawbacks too.
Here are a few advantages of washing towels and sheets at the same time:
Saving time and energy: Combining sheets and towels in one load saves time and energy since you run fewer loads of laundry.
Streamlining laundry: You don’t need to sort linen into separate loads, simplifying the process.
Saving water: Laundry with full loads helps conserve water and reduces environmental impact.
There are also some cons to washing sheets and towels at the same time, including:
Lint: During washing, towels can produce lint that can adhere to sheets, potentially altering their appearance.
Texture: Due to often having different fiber content, the texture of towels and sheets can be affected by washing them together.
Hygiene: Sheets, especially pillowcases, can carry body oils and sweat, which might not be ideal for mixing with bath towels. Maintaining a higher level of cleanliness can be achieved by washing them separately.
Tips for Washing Sheets and Towels Together
To ensure sheets and towels come out clean and in good condition, you must take care when washing them together.
Wash sheets and towels together by following these tips:
Sort by color: Separate whites from colored linens to prevent bleeding, especially if your linens are new or prone to color transfer.
Shake off debris: It is possible for sheets to trap lint and pet hair. Remove excess debris from towels before washing by shaking them out or using a lint roller.
Check fabric types: Consider the fabric type of your linens. For example, towels made from thicker materials may require different care than cotton sheets. Follow the instructions on the care labels at all times.
Mild detergents: Use a mild detergent suitable for sheets and towels. Overusing detergent can lead to residue buildup.
Water temperature: Make sure the water temperature is within the recommended range. Warm water is usually sufficient for washing sheets, while hot water is better for washing towels.
Can You Put Towels and Sheets Together in the Dryer?
Yes, you can dry towels and sheets together, but be sure to use a low-heat setting to prevent excessive shrinkage and wrinkles.
Consider the fabric types on towels and sheets, and follow the care instructions on the labels.
Time-Saving Alternative To Combining Linens in the Wash: A Cleaning Service
If your primary motive for combining linens is to save time, there’s always the option of saving time elsewhere.
Hire a home cleaning service for regular household cleaning so laundry is your only regular housekeeping chore.
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