Actress Kang So-ra mentioned the importance of replacing towels.
Recently, Kang So-ra uploaded a video on her YouTube channel featuring her personal care methods. In the video, Kang So-ra talked about towels that everyone uses.
Kang So-ra stated, "Towels are items we use every day, so it's easy to neglect their care," and added, "In fact, they should be replaced at least once a year." She explained, "Using a dryer can damage them, and there are issues with bacterial infections as well." Let's take a look at how to care for towels.
The Habit of Reusing Towels Harms the Skin
As Kang So-ra mentioned, towels that are used daily can easily be neglected in terms of care. However, the habits and methods of towel use can significantly impact skin health. One common habit is reusing a towel after it has been used once.
What happens if you reuse a towel without washing it right away? A damp towel after use is a breeding ground for bacteria. There is also a high possibility that it contains skin cells and saliva. Even if you wash your body clean, bacteria from your skin can stick to the towel. After that, the bacteria on the towel multiply exponentially.
Many people also dry their towels to reuse them. If dried in the bathroom, the high temperature and humidity allow bacteria to spread rapidly. Bacteria can cause various skin diseases, including athlete's foot. Therefore, if you care about your skin health, it's best to wash a towel after using it once.
Stacking Towels Makes Bacterial Growth Easier
Before washing, it's important to dry wet towels instead of stacking them in a laundry basket. In a humid environment, bacteria can easily multiply. It's also advisable to avoid storing towels in the washing machine.
Towels should be washed separately. Towels are made from loosely twisted threads for texture and absorbency, which means the fibers can easily shed and stick to other laundry.
Towels are best washed in a drum washing machine at a water temperature below 40 degrees Celsius using a gentle cycle. For a top-loading washing machine, set the water level high enough to submerge the towels and rinse with cold water. During washing, fabric softeners should be avoided as they can reduce the towel's ability to absorb water.
As Kang So-ra mentioned, towels should be replaced every 6 months to a year. Old towels can have damaged fibers that may irritate the skin. If a towel smells even after washing, it can be judged as old.
