Here’s how often you should change your towels, and when to throw them away, according to experts

NBC Selected independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more.HomeHow often should you change and wash your towels, and when is it time to buy new ones? Here’s what experts sayLaundry service experts share how to tell when it’s time to throw out your old towels.July 20, 2026, 12:30 PM EDTCory FernandezCommerce EditorSkip to table of contentsTowels have a tendency to develop mildew and odors, which is why it’s important to clean them thoroughly.GettyIn this articleHow often should you wash your towels?How often should you replace your towels?Should you wash a towel every time you use it?What’s the best way to wash towels?The best products for washing and replacing towelsMeet our laundry expertsWhy trust NBC Selected?See 4 MoreWe don’t always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often should you wash your hair and more.Having a few high-quality towels is a must when it comes to having a well-stocked bathroom. But even the most luxurious towels can end up in bad shape after years of use and hundreds of washes. While you probably wash your towels regularly, do you know if you’re changing them out frequently enough? And how long should you keep the same rotation of towels at home before buying a new set? After just a few months, the texture and feel of towels deteriorate and even if you wash them, they sometimes don’t always smell fresh. To find out how often you should change your towels to wash them and when it’s time to consider buying a new set, I spoke with laundry experts for their guidance and recommendations.RelatedselectedselectedHow often do you really need to wash your jeans?Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.How often should you wash your towels?You should change out and wash towels after ev...