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1 - You use fabric softener to wash it.

Why it’s a problem: Fabric softener actually prevents towels from absorbing water and can leave a waxy buildup that can scratch and damage your skin.

2- It hangs to dry in your bathroom.

Why it’s a problem: Charles Gerba, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona, found in a recent study that nearly 90% of face towels were contaminated with coliform bacteria and about 14% carried E. coli after left to dry in the bathroom.

In case you didn’t know, E.coli is literally a better name for poop particles.

3 - It smells funky.

Why it’s a problem:

You've washed your towels and they smell pretty good as they come out of the dryer. But the minute they get damp, the funky odor returns. This is because the towels were not really clean. the main causes of the odor is that your washer is not clean and body soil and bacteria are redepositing on the terry cloth during the rinse cycle.

4 - You're not the only one using it.

Why it’s a problem:

When towels are used by more than one person cross-contamination of the skin can occur.

5 - Your skin type isn't normal.

Why it’s a problem:

People who have extremely dry or sensitive skin, those who are acne prone, and people with skin conditions like eczema are the most at risk for a dirty towel causing breakouts since their skin barrier isn’t functioning as well as it should be and this means that you could spread bacteria or fungus to your face, which blocks pores and makes flare-ups even worse.

Solution #1

Use your towel once

A towel could be looking clean but in reality, a tremendous amount of dust, dirt, oil, dead skin cells, or even makeup can get collected in a cloth towel. They then would be acting as a good breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Using a towel once and immediately washing it is a good way to reduce the chance of spreading harmful bacteria.

Cons - A LOT OF LAUNDRY