How many towels do you need? Professional organizers reveal the secret formula to balancing practicality with storage space
The exact number will depend on how many people you have in your house
Towels can be tricky to store. We need so many different types, from washcloths to hand towels, to bath sheets, with each of them adding significant bulk to our linen closet shelves. This begs the question, how many towels do you need?
Having too few towels makes laundry and bathing a struggle, but having too many makes organizing bathroom storage a logistical nightmare. The secret is calculating two per person when it comes to bath towels and hand towels, though a few factors can impact.
Through trial and error, our professional home organizers have found the ideal number of best bath towels each household needs to strike the perfect balance between practicality and aesthetic storage ideas.
How many towels do you need?
Generally speaking, the number of towels you need depends on the size of your household, your lifestyle, and your laundry and bathing routines. Using your towels correctly and knowing how often to wash towels makes a big difference.
Barbara Brock, professional home organizer and owner of Barbara Brock Inc. suggests, ‘One person needs on average two bath towels and two hand towels. One is to be used, and the other is to be used as a backup. Washcloths are optional as there are many different options today for cleaning. However, the less you have, the more you have to do laundry.
‘Giving a person too many bath towels tends to also wreak havoc with storing. Too many bath towels also tend to land on the floor.’
Bestseller
When you have a few too many towels but they are all in good condition, consider putting some of them into vacuum storage. This will keep them in good condition until the towels you are using start to wear out, or you need them for guests.
Parima Ijaz, textile expert and owner of Pure Parima agrees, ‘The general rule of thumb is that each person in the house has at least two or three bath towels, washcloths, and hand towels. This way, when the towels are not being used, they can be washed and another fresh set is available at all times.
‘All used towels should be washed weekly at a minimum for hygienic results,’ Parima continues. ‘When it comes to towel storage ideas, keep them in a cool, dry place to avoid mold and moisture buildup which can damage the fibers and decrease their longevity. When buying towels, investing in high-quality towels made of Egyptian cotton ensures a longer lifespan and higher durability.’
Make sure to avoid putting towels away whilst they're still damp. It's one of the key things people with nice smelling closets never do.
10 colors
Perfect for one person, this towel set includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two face towels
18 colors
If you like your towels to match your bathroom decor, these towel sets offer the greatest color variations to fit into any space
6 colors
To stock bathrooms for a couple, this set includes four bath towels, four hand towels, and four washcloths
Parima Ijaz adds, however, ‘It doesn’t hurt to have a few extra sets in storage for guests or unexpected replacements. Just keep in mind that each person should have enough of each to get through each week.’ These can be stored in your guest bedroom to ease the burden when organizing a linen closet.
If your towels feel scratchy and look a little worse for wear, consider washing towels with vinegar to make towels soft again before replacing them. While you should generally replace towels every three to five years, many household towels have more life in them when cared for properly. This not only saves you money but reduces waste as well.
Make sure to donate your old towels to animal shelters or use them for household cleaning so that they do not build up in your storage.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Chiana has been at Homes & Gardens for two years. She spends most of her time producing content for the Solved section of the website, helping readers get the most out of their homes through clever decluttering, cleaning, and tidying tips. She was named one of Fixr's top home improvement journalists in 2024.
-
How to grow nigella – for flowers that offer unique hues and structural seedheads
Sow love-in-a-mist seeds in fall for a charming display in summer
By Tenielle Jordison Published
-
Drew Barrymore makes the case for peel-and-stick wallpaper – it's just as easy to apply as it is to remove
The actress's peel-and-stick wallpaper is so much more than a quick DIY – it gives you the freedom to switch out styles as you please
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
How to organize family photos – 6 ways professional organizers swear by
These picture storage tips will help keep your precious mementos safe
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
What is the 'magic basket' organizing trick? Experts detail how to use this 'simple but effective' trick in your home
You won't need a magic wand for this trick but it will streamline your nighttime routine
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
-
I tried a Nate Berkus hack to organize my messy sock drawer – it’s so satisfying, cheap and easy to do
I didn’t spend a cent and it still turned out great
By Punteha van Terheyden Published
-
6 sustainability-friendly ways to reuse candle jars around your house
Who knew the humble candle jar had so many possibilities?
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
How to organize a nursery dresser – 5 streamlined secrets parenting experts love
Streamline this vital space in your nursery for maximum function
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
The 15 best ways to organize board games without cramping your style or space
From rolling carts to unboxing your favorite games, there's a solution for every household
By Punteha van Terheyden Published
-
Is the 'fridgescaping' trend a functional fail? We ask the experts if style matters more than storage in this space
Decorating the inside of your fridge like a beautiful tablescape is taking off on social media. But will it get a frosty reception from your family?
By Alison Jones Published
-
How to store insect repellent – 5 tips to have your product work more effectively than ever
Your insect repellents will last all summer long if you implement these expert-approved storage tips
By Ciéra Cree Published