Bernard O'Shea: How often should we wash our towels — and should we share them to save water?

But wait, how many times have you used it this week? Adding to this is the question of sharing towels with a partner. 

After all, we share many things with others – toothbrushes (sometimes accidentally), drinks, food, clothes, and even beds. So, why not towels?

Towels have a fascinating history. The ancient Greeks and Romans used cloths called "sindons" to dry themselves after baths. 

These early towels were often made of linen and were a far cry from the plush, absorbent towels we use today. 

In medieval Europe, towels were a luxury item reserved for the wealthy. 

Ordinary folk would use whatever they had, sharing it with family members. 

We now have towels made from various materials, and the choices are endless, but how often should we wash our towels?

Towels retain moisture and stay damp for hours, creating an optimal setting for bacteria and mould to thrive. 

A home hygiene expert, Dr Sally Bloomfield, explains that even seemingly clean towels can harbour millions of germs over time, posing a health risk if not washed regularly.

Growing up, I noticed different practices within my household. My mom was meticulous, washing towels after every use, while my dad would use the same towel for days on end, claiming it was still "good as new". 

This disparity led me on a quest to uncover the truth (I was thinking about this as a true crime podcast): How often should we wash our towels? Is there a way of drying them without the tumble dryer that doesn't leave them like sheets of corrugated cardboard? More importantly, could I answer it as a Shakespearian sonnet from the information I found online? 

Here goes:

Nineteen gallons per load, they do declare, From washing machines with their constant care.

Dryers, with each cycle's ceaseless spin, Use 4.5 kWh within.

Twice a week, thou wash in rhythmic tune, Two thousand gallons spent all too soon.

Four hundred kilowatts in a year, Increased bills and footprints drawing near.

Bath towels washed thrice or more, Hand towels each two to three days' chore.

Washcloths daily must a cleaning see, Gym towels post-exercise decree.

Dry them well, with space for air to sweep, Hang on racks where the breath of breeze doth keep.

Shake before the drying quest, thou must, Tumble low, for fluffiness is just.

But indeed, to be more sustainable, should we consider sharing towels? Straight away I can hear a chant of “NOOOOO” but hold on a second consider public transport for a second and where you plonk your butt.

Bus and train seat patterns are deliberately designed to be bold and garish for several practical reasons. 

These intricate, busy patterns effectively mask stains, dirt, and wear, ensuring that the seats appear cleaner and more inviting despite the heavy use they endure. 

Public transportation seats, subjected to constant traffic from countless passengers, inevitably accumulate grime and germs from spills, food, and daily use. 

By utilising complex patterns, transportation companies can hide these imperfections, making them less noticeable to passengers. So why not share a towel?

However, according to the aforementioned Dr Sally Bloomfield, towels can harbour bacteria that can cause infections if passed to another person. 

This is especially concerning if someone has a skin condition, cuts, or a weakened immune system. 

Sharing towels can also spread fungi, such as the one that causes athlete's foot (hey, I get that!). 

While sharing items like clothes, drinks and seats can be socially acceptable and harmless, she warns that sharing towels poses unique hygiene challenges.

The towel debate peaked when my wife and I moved in together. She used the "fresh towel every day" approach. After many discussions (and a few arguments), we compromised on washing our bath towels twice a week. 

The result? Fewer laundry loads, fresher towels, and a happier marriage. However, I would still have no problems using a towel she already used. Why not? 

I'll risk that fungal infection if it's kinder to the planet. Not all heroes wear capes, but they might just share towels.