Can you put wet towels in the washer?

When we're done showering or swimming, we often end up with wet towels. And naturally, these towels need to be dried. But can we simply throw them into the washer when they're wet? The answer to that question is a little complicated, so let's take a closer look.

Can you Put Wet Towels in the Washer?

The short answer is yes, you can wash wet towels. However, it's not always the best idea, and there are a few things to consider before you toss them in the machine.

Why Washing Wet Towels is not The Best Idea

1. Mold and mildew

By throwing a damp towel into the machine, you risk allowing mold and mildew to grow in your washer. This not only leads to unpleasant odors but can also damage your machine, particularly the rubber seals.

2. Poor Wash

When you wash wet towels, they'll have a harder time getting clean. Clothes need space and room to move around in the machine to ensure an even wash. Waterlogged towels restrict this movement, so your load may not come out as clean or as dry as you would like.

3. Overloading the Machine

Wet towels add weight to your washing machine that they aren't designed to handle. If you put too many wet towels in one load, it can be too heavy for your machine and cause damage. This can cause strains on belts, motors, and bearings.

How To Wash Wet Towels In The Washer

If you must wash wet towels, there are some steps you need to take to avoid the problems mentioned above.

1. Shake Them Out

Before putting them in the machine, give your wet towels a good shake to remove as much excess water as possible. This will help ensure that they wash and dry evenly.

2. Separate the Towels

Do not put the wet towels together in one pile. Separate them out to ensure that they have enough room in the washer to move around during the wash.

3. Choose the Right Cycle

When washing wet towels, use the right cycle. The delicate and quick wash cycles aren't designed to handle heavy and damp towels, so it's best to use the regular wash cycle. Additionally, avoid using hot water and instead choose lukewarm water.

4. Add The Right Amount Of Detergent

Add the right amount of detergent or fabric softener. Too much detergent can cause suds to build up, leading to poorer wash results.

5. Dry them Quickly

After washing the towels, put them in the dryer on a high setting so they can dry as quickly as possible. Once they're dry, remove them from the dryer immediately to avoid any mold or mildew growth.

Alternatives to Washing Wet Towels in the Washer

If all of this seems like too much work, it's worth considering alternatives to washing wet towels in the washer.

1. Hand Wash Them

You can handwash your towels if you're in a rush. Give them a good scrub using lukewarm soapy water, rinse them, and hang them up to dry.

2. Air Dry Them

Alternatively, if you don't have a dryer or aren't in a hurry, you can air dry your towels. Hang them up on a clothesline, and the wind will quickly dry them.

3. Use a Damp Towel Rod

Finally, if you have a convenient damp towel rod, you can simply hang your wet towels on it to dry.

Final Thoughts

So can you put wet towels in the washer? Yes, you can, but it's not always the best idea. Washing wet towels can lead to mold and mildew growth, poor wash results, and damage to your machine. However, if you must wash your towels, be sure to shake them out, separate them, choose the right cycle, use the right amount of detergent, and quickly dry them when you're done. Alternatively, consider hand washing your towels, air drying them, or using a damp towel rod.