Spoiler alert: You’re probably not doing it often enough.

But how often should youreallychange out your bath towel for a fresh one?

Theres a certain number of days to be mindful of before your towel becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

group of bath towels

Photo:Plan Shooting 2/Imazins/Getty Images

Generally, you should change your towels every three to four uses, she says.

This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors.

Its important to stick to this clean towel schedule for a few reasons, Chiu notes.

Bacteria, dead skin cells, and excess oils from your skin can build up on wet towels.

Your Towel’s Material

Your towels material can also come into play.

Waffle weave towels, for example, tend to dry more quickly than typical terrycloth towels.

In our experience, a quicker-drying towel lends itself to more uses between washes.

When Should You Throw Away Towels?

Over time, towels can lose their absorbency due to wear and tear or the buildup of detergent residue.

Don’t throw your towels away though!