9 Items You Wash Too Much and 9 You Always Forget—What’s Hiding in Your Home?

3. Towels vs. bath mats

Towels vs. Bath Mats: Proper Care and Cleaning For good hygiene, towels should be changed after every three or four uses. Rotate two towels so one can dry completely between uses, and you’ll only need to wash them about every two weeks. Skipping this can cause musty smells and turn white towels gray.

Bath mats need even more frequent washing. Their dampness, plus the warmth and darkness of bathrooms, makes them perfect for mold and bacteria. Wash bath mats at least once a week to keep your bathroom clean and fresh.