How often should I change my towels and sheets and why is it necessary?

Towels and sheets are used daily, so they are highly susceptible to constant soiling. This means they must be changed and washed frequently.

Since these objects are in contact with the body and exposed to environments where the spread of bacteria is high, it is important to take into account several considerations regarding their use .

Towels

In the case of towels, they will always be the first thing used after a shower, washing hands, or other situations in which the body ends up wet, since their function is precisely to dry.

However, the first thing that happens when you touch a towel is bacteria is transferred. " If you don't wash your hands properly, for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, as it's full of germs, they can easily transfer to your towel ," Manal Mohammed, a professor of medical microbiology at the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom , told CNN.

(More: Stop Doing It: Everyday Habits That Make You Unhygienic .)

When the towel is wet, germs can grow stronger . Therefore, it's key to let it dry in a place with good air circulation and lighting so it dries as quickly as possible.

“ The longer the towels stay wet, the longer the yeast, bacteria, molds, and viruses will stay alive and active ,” dermatologist Alok Vij told the Cleveland Clinic Medical Portal.

(You can read: Kitchen sponge: how to clean it to prevent bacterial growth ).

If it is not dried properly and you continue using it, you may develop toenail fungus, warts, jock itch, eczema, or the well-known dermatitis that causes constant itching in various parts of your body , according to Vij.

Although many people believe that a towel should be replaced once a week and washed with other items of clothing, some experts advise against it, as extending its use for this period of time may be excessive.

“ If you can get them completely dry every time, no more than three uses, that's the maximum ,” said Philip Tierno, a microbiologist at the New York University School of Medicine , in an interview with Business Insider.

Bed sheets

When you spend a lot of time with the same set of sheets, there's a greater chance that they'll become a breeding ground for infection , as sweat, dead skin cells, and dust mites accumulate, creating a breeding ground for microbes, according to the website 'Muy Interesante'.

(You might be interested in: Do Colombians smell good? This is what an Italian content creator claims .)

Although these microbes can be harmless in small amounts, over time they can become a bigger problem and cause allergies. For those who already suffer from seasonal allergies , changing and washing sheets regularly is key, as it helps reduce the negative effects of immune system abnormalities.

According to Philip Tierno, a microbiologist at New York University , it's ideal to wash your sheets at least once a week. Psychologist, neuroscientist, and sleep expert Lindsay Browning agrees, as she told British radio station Radio 1 Newsbeat.

“ Sweat penetrates the sheets and causes them not only to smell bad, but also to become clogged, ” says the specialist.

On the other hand, a University of Cambridge study conducted in daycare centers shows that washing bedding frequently can reduce the risk of gastroenteritis. Other studies claim that cleaning sleeping mats prevents respiratory infections.

In case of illness or if someone in the home is allergic to dust mites, it is recommended to wash the sheets frequently and in hot water, around 60°C.

PORTFOLIO