How Many Times Can You Use a Bath Towel Before It Needs to Be Washed?

By Keri Petersen for Women's Health

Image via: bongotoday.com

Solve a household debate: How many times can you use a towel before having to wash it?

Three or four, say consumer and environmental health agencies. Any longer and towels can breed bacteria and mold.

Hang your towels properly: Spread them out on the rack (not bunched up) so they dry thoroughly. Before taking a shower, open the door and, if you have one, turn on the bathroom fan while bathing, so the air is less humid.

— Keri Petersen, M.D., internal medicine, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City