"Do Not Use Towels More Than Twice: Even Clean-Looking Towels Are Covered in Bacteria"

Bathrooms Provide Optimal Conditions for Bacterial Growth
Immediate Washing After Use Recommended for Health
"Effective Only When Washed at 60 Degrees Celsius or Higher"

Research has shown that towels, even if they appear clean after multiple uses in the bathroom, actually experience a rapid increase in bacterial growth. Experts recommend frequent washing, stating that "even towels used only once or twice cannot be considered truly clean."

A study has found that towels used multiple times rapidly promote bacterial growth.

The British daily newspaper Daily Mail recently reported, citing the opinion of Professor Primrose Freestone from the Department of Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, that "towels must be washed after a maximum of two uses." She explained, "When you dry your skin after a shower or face wash, various microorganisms such as dead skin cells, bacteria, and fungi are transferred to the towel," and pointed out that "a towel used for cleanliness can actually become a medium for redistributing bacteria."

Professor Freestone explained that the warm and humid environment of the bathroom provides optimal conditions for bacterial growth. In particular, textile products such as bath towels, which come into contact with most parts of the body, are highly susceptible to contamination by microorganisms. With repeated use, sweat, bodily fluids, and skin cells accumulate, creating an environment conducive to bacterial proliferation.

Domestic research has also provided numerical evidence for the hygiene issues of towels. According to experimental results from the Korea Testing & Research Institute, bacterial levels increased sharply even after a towel was used just once. In towels that were not dried immediately after use, the number of colony-forming units (CFU) reached 570,000, and even towels dried after three uses still showed a high CFU count of 152,500.

A representative from the institute warned, "Invisible microorganisms are transferred to the towel during the process of drying the skin," and added, "If a towel with increased bacterial growth is reused, freshly washed skin can become contaminated again." They explained that it is best to wash towels immediately after each use whenever possible.

To maintain strict hygiene during washing, attention must also be paid to water temperature and washing methods. Professor Freestone emphasized, "Washing at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius or higher is necessary to eliminate most bacteria and fungi." She added, "Hot washing suppresses viral activity and prevents unpleasant odors from developing in towels," and stated, "To minimize the risk of infection, high-temperature washing is essential." She also noted that towels must be completely dried after washing and ideally stored in a cool, dry place.

Chris van Tulleken, an infectious disease specialist at University College London Hospital, also stressed the importance of high-temperature washing to prevent bacterial infection during an appearance on BBC. He pointed out, "The standard washing machine temperature of 40 degrees Celsius only consumes energy and has little effect on eliminating bacteria," and advised, "When living with someone who has an infectious disease, it is essential to follow the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of washing at 60 degrees Celsius or higher and using detergent together."