Avoid leaving towels damp or risk a ‘dangerous bacteria’ build-up

Susannah Constantine shares tips for saving money doing laundry

John Lawless at Big Bathroom Shop said: “Towels can be quite hard to wash and dry frequently, especially in the wet, cold months, we can understand why washing your towels may be somewhat of a chore.

“However, leaving any towel in your bathroom can seriously increase the risk of dangerous bacteria growth should the conditions be wrong.

“Damp towels can hold bacteria, which may be harmful if left in a damp, unventilated bathroom.

“It’s also worth pointing out that any smell would indicate bacteria of an unhealthy kind, so definitely do not let things get this far.

“Our advice would be to air your towel out after each use over a towel rail in a well-ventilated bathroom, you may do this around two to three times between each wash.”

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If your bathroom doesn’t have a fan or adequate heating, it is recommended to use a large airy space to hang towels to dry.

As well as doing this, the expert also recommended investing in a dehumidifier to help remove excess moisture from the air.

John explained: “Indoor humidity tends to creep up in the cold, and this can prolong the drying of your towels indoors.

“A dehumidifier will take some of the moisture out of the air and allow you to dry your towels quicker.”

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They can be purchased from various retailers including Amazon with some even having a specific laundry setting which works harder to dry clothes.

The expert continued: “Luckily many people have similar problems when it comes to winter laundry, therefore there are many nifty drying contraptions on the market that will help you out.

“From drying pods to ceiling airers, have a look at what could work in your space.”

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For any households lucky enough to have a tumble dryer that they use in the winter months, it is recommended to use dryer balls or tennis balls to help speed up the drying time.

These work by providing a buffer between multiple towels and allow for more breathing and drying space as well as helping to “keep them fluffy”.

If towels do start to smell damp, it’s an easy fix with some white vinegar in the washing machine to help strip the odours.

White vinegar will also help to strip any detergent residue, helping to keep them softer for longer.

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