Can You Wash Sheets and Towels Together?

It is tempting to throw sheets and towels into the same load — both are bulky, both need regular washing, and combining them saves time. But washing sheets and towels together can actually damage your bedding, reduce the effectiveness of your wash, and shorten the lifespan of both items. Below we explain exactly why these two laundry staples should be washed separately, and what to do if you absolutely must combine them.

Consider Weight Imbalances

Towels are significantly heavier than sheets, especially when wet. A standard bath towel can absorb several times its weight in water, while a cotton or linen sheet remains relatively light throughout the wash cycle. When you mix these uneven weights in the same drum, the machine struggles to distribute the load evenly during the spin cycle.

An unbalanced drum does more than make noise. It prevents the agitator or drum from moving clothes through the water effectively, which means neither your sheets nor your towels get properly cleaned. Over time, repeated imbalanced loads can also cause mechanical wear on your washing machine's bearings and suspension.

If you do need to wash them together, keep the load small. Pair one set of sheets with no more than two towels, and select a lower spin speed to reduce the strain on the machine.

Keep Materials in Mind

Sheets are typically made from lightweight, finely woven fabrics — organic cotton, percale, sateen, or linen. These fabrics have a smooth surface and a relatively delicate structure compared to towels. Towels, on the other hand, are made from terry cloth: a thick, looped fabric designed to be absorbent and rugged.

When you wash these two fabric types together, the rough texture of terry cloth acts like an abrasive on your sheets. The loops on towels catch and pull at the smooth fibres of your sheets, causing pilling, snagging, and premature wear. This is especially problematic for sateen and silk-blend sheets, which have an even more delicate surface.

The lint factor is another issue. Towels shed a significant amount of lint during washing, and that lint transfers directly onto your sheets. You may notice your dark sheets come out of the wash covered in white fibres — that is towel lint embedding itself in the weave.

Pay Attention to Temperatures

Sheets and towels have different ideal washing temperatures. Most quality bed sheets — especially organic cotton and linen — wash best at 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F). Higher temperatures can shrink natural fibres, fade colours, and break down the fabric over time.

Towels, however, benefit from hotter washes. A 60°C (140°F) cycle helps kill bacteria, remove body oils, and eliminate the musty odour that towels can develop. Washing towels at the lower temperatures your sheets require may leave them less than hygienically clean.

If you combine sheets and towels, you are forced to compromise on temperature — either washing your sheets too hot or your towels too cool. Neither outcome is ideal. Washing them separately lets you use the right temperature for each.

Don't Forget Drying Times

The weight difference between sheets and towels also affects drying. Towels take considerably longer to dry than sheets, whether you use a tumble dryer or a clothesline. If you dry them together, your sheets will be exposed to unnecessary heat and tumbling long after they are already dry. This over-drying weakens fibres, causes shrinkage, and can leave sheets feeling rough or stiff.

For best results, dry sheets on a low or medium heat setting and remove them as soon as they are dry. Towels can handle higher heat and benefit from a longer cycle. Separating these items in the dryer protects your sheets and ensures your towels come out fully dry — damp towels left in the drum are a breeding ground for mildew.

When It Is OK to Wash Them Together

There are a few situations where combining sheets and towels in one load is acceptable:

• Small loads only: One sheet set with one or two towels keeps the weight balanced.
• Same colour family: Wash white sheets with white towels to avoid colour transfer.
• Similar fabric weight: If your sheets are a heavy-weight cotton and your towels are lightweight, the weight difference is less of an issue.
• Cold wash: Using a cold cycle (30°C) is the safest compromise temperature for both items.

Even when combining loads, use a gentle or normal cycle — never a heavy-duty setting, which is too rough for sheets.

How Often Should You Wash Sheets and Towels?

Establishing a regular washing schedule helps you keep sheets and towels fresh without overloading your machine:

• Sheets: Wash every one to two weeks. If you have allergies, sweat heavily, or share your bed with pets, weekly washing is best.
• Pillowcases: These collect more oil and bacteria than flat or fitted sheets. Wash them weekly, or even twice a week if you are prone to breakouts.
• Towels: Wash after every three to four uses. Hang them to dry completely between uses to prevent bacteria growth.
• Bath mats: Wash weekly. Like towels, they harbour moisture and bacteria.

Sticking to this schedule means you will always have a separate sheet load and a separate towel load — making it easier to keep them apart in the wash.

Tips for Keeping Your Sheets in Top Condition

Beyond washing them separately from towels, follow these care tips to extend the life of your bed sheets:

• Use a mild, liquid detergent. Powder detergents can leave residue in the weave. Avoid bleach on coloured sheets.
• Wash inside out. This protects the sleep surface from friction and fading.
• Do not overfill the drum. Sheets need room to move freely in the water for a thorough clean.
• Skip fabric softener. It coats fibres and reduces breathability over time. Use white vinegar in the rinse cycle instead for natural softening.
• Line-dry when possible. Air drying is the gentlest option and helps preserve fibre strength and colour.

What About Washing Sheets with Other Bedding?

If you are washing duvet covers, pillowcases, and fitted sheets together, that is perfectly fine — these items share similar fabric weights, washing temperatures, and drying times. Washing your full sheet set together actually makes sense: the items move freely around each other in the drum, and they can all be dried at the same setting.

The same applies to matching pillowcases with your sheets. Since pillowcases are made from the same fabric as your sheets, they have identical care requirements. Just make sure you close any zip or button closures on duvet covers before washing to prevent snagging.

Mattress protectors are the exception. Waterproof or quilted mattress protectors are heavier and bulkier than sheets. Wash these separately on a gentle cycle, and always check the manufacturer's care instructions — some protectors should not be tumble-dried as heat can damage the waterproof membrane.

The Bottom Line: Should You Wash Sheets and Towels Together?

The short answer is no — washing sheets and towels separately is better for both items. Towels are heavier, rougher, and require hotter water than sheets. Mixing them leads to unbalanced loads, lint transfer, pilling, and compromised hygiene. The few minutes you save by combining loads are not worth the damage to your bedding.

Set up a simple laundry rotation: sheets and pillowcases on one day, towels and bath mats on another. Your sheets will stay softer, your towels will stay fresher, and both will last significantly longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wash sheets and blankets together?

It depends on the blanket. Lightweight cotton or linen blankets can be washed with sheets on a gentle cycle. Heavy blankets — wool, weighted, or thick quilted — should be washed separately or taken to a launderette with larger machines. Always check the care label first.

Can you wash sheets with clothes?

It is best to avoid this. Zippers, buttons, and hooks on clothing can snag and tear sheets. Clothes also have different washing requirements. If you must combine, place sheets with soft items like T-shirts and avoid anything with hardware.

How often should I wash my sheets and towels?

Sheets should be washed every one to two weeks. Towels should be washed after every three to four uses. Washing them on a regular but separate schedule keeps both items hygienic and in good condition.