YOU might think you’re keeping things clean by tossing all your laundry into one hamper.
And although it might be time-saving, other issues may arise.
In fact, cleaning experts are flagging it as a mistake that could be sabotaging your hygiene efforts.
But it’s not just leaving wet towels in the laundry basket; it’s also having them mix with your other towels.
Personal hygiene expert Madam Sweat took to her TikTok page to share a video warning others that they need to break the common habit.
Her reasoning? Well, it spreads more germs than you realise.
From bacteria-laden bath towels to E. coli-infested tea towels, she explains why you should always separate them from your regular wash.
The personal hygienist says: “Never mix your laundry towels with your clothing hamper; I’m going to tell you why.”
She continues: “So, let’s talk about the bath towels first. They’re very thick, and they take a long time to dry.
“Number one: never put them in a hamper when they’re wet.
“Number two: they can be quite germy. They can contain faecal matter — yes, you wipe your bottom with them — and other bacteria from the moisture.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=” I’m the Queen of Clean – the exact items you can STILL dry on the washing line in icy weather, and which to leave inside” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366950818112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“The same rule applies to tea towels: never put them in a hamper when wet.
“They also contain a lot of germs because tea towels can harbour E. coli.”
“Your laundry habits should be the same: towels should always be washed separately from clothing because of germ contamination.”
Her video gained over 60 comments, as many people rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts.
One wrote: “I don’t wash underwear with hand towels and tea towels.”
[boxout headline=”Need a product for body hygiene and sweat control?” featured-image=”32859725″]Best for full body & most affordable
INEOS Hygienics, known for its groundbreaking innovation in home hygiene, is making a bold expansion into the personal care category with the launch of its new Skin Science range.
The range includes INEOS Skin Science Body Wash, £2.50, Antiperspirant Deodorants, £2.50 and Hand Wash, all formulated with new proprietary SkinActiv Cooling Tech, providing impactful all day + and all night freshness and protection.
Sweet scenting Antiperspitant
Fussy deodorant started to trend after the brand’s founder, Matt Kennedy, appeared on Dragon’s Den in 2022, securing a joint investment from Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones.
Try the Sugar Crush Mini Trio Pack, £10
Budget fragrance
You don’t have to spend hundreds to get great perfume, and headcare brand Arkive’s latest foray, Arkive Makes Scents, proves it.
It has launched four new unisex scents, all grounded in nature, for the price of just £30 for 50ml EDP.
A second added: “I hang all my clothes to air out overnight before adding to the hamper. Have created a specific space just for that.
“Clothes need less frequent washing and don’t get the damp stank.”
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D107933%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]A third said: “Always wash my towels and tea towels separately at 60 degrees with my own home made washing detergent and white vinegar fabric softener.
“Then tumble dry to finish to make sure it is properly clean!”