As you go about your daily routine, bath towels are items that you likely use every day without much thought. However, when it comes time to take inventory of your linen closet or update your bath towels, you may find yourself wondering just how many bath towels you actually need.
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your household size, laundry habits, and personal preferences.
This guide will walk you through how to determine the right number of bath towels for your home.
Calculate Towels Per Household Member
The first step in determining how many bath towels you need is to consider the number of people in your household. Here are some general guidelines:
Bath Towels
The average person typically only needs two bath towels if you plan on washing them weekly. After 3-4 uses of a towel, you should swap it out for the other clean towel. This number may change based on your personal habits, like if you wash yourself more than once a day or have a less frequent laundry routine.
Hand Towels
For hand towels, aim for at least four per household member. Hand towels get used more frequently, including by multiple people sharing a bathroom. To prevent germ transfer, it’s best to change hand towels every 2-3 days.
Washcloths
Washcloths require the highest replacement frequency since they touch your face. Plan to use a fresh washcloth daily, so have at least seven per person to get through each day of the week.
Special Considerations
- Kids tend to cause more messes, so add extra towels if you have young children.
- People with long hair may use a dedicated hair towel.
- Teenagers lose towels frequently during sports, so keep spares on hand.
- College students only need used towels suitable for dorm life spills.
Allow for Guests
It’s important to make overnight guests feel comfortable with their own fresh linens. Have at least two bath and hand towels available per guest, plus daily washcloths. For multi-day visitors, add more towels.
Buy Extras Based on the Laundry Schedule
Consider how often you do laundry when determining your total towel supply. If you wash just once weekly, double the recommended amounts. With less frequent laundry, purchase even more towels to avoid reusing dirty ones.
Differentiate Towels by Location
- Use guest towels in powder rooms. Their smaller size allows for easy styling.
- Keep beach towels separate from indoor ones, either in a different closet or in seasonal storage.
- Store each person’s main bath towels in bedrooms or assigned hooks. Different colors help identify ownership.
Replace Old Towels
Plan to replace bath towels every 1-2 years when they become threadbare, no longer absorbent, or start smelling musty. Donating old towels to animal shelters gives them new life.
FAQ
How many bath towels should a couple have?
A two-person household needs 4-6 bath towels total. This includes two towels per person, plus 1-2 extras in case the others are dirty or in the wash.
How many bath towels does a family of four need?
For a four-person family, aim for 8-12 bath towels. Get two per family member, plus 2-4 additional towels. More may be needed with frequent laundry.
How many bath towels for a family of 5?
With five household members, plan on 10-15 total bath towels. Purchase two towels per person, then allow for up to five extra towels.
How many towels should I own?
The total towels needed equals:
- 2 bath towels per person
- 4+ hand towels per person
- 7+ washcloths per person
- Extras for guests
- More if you wash towels infrequently
How many bath towels are normal to own?
Most households have six to 12 bath towels. But there’s no “normal” number. Base your quantity on your specific household size and needs.
How many towels should be in a linen closet?
A two-person linen closet contains about:
- 6 bath towels
- 4 hand towels
- 4 washcloths
Add two of each towel type per additional household member.
Conclusion
Determining the ideal quantity of bath towels for your home requires considering several factors like laundry schedule, number of people, and guests. While you likely need fewer towels than you think, purchasing too few can lead to constantly dirty towels or shortages.
Use the tips in this guide to find the right balance of bath towels for your household. With the proper amount, you’ll stay clean, comfortable, and ready for anything each day.
