Washcloth vs Hand Towel: What's the Difference?

Did you know most homes need 30 to 40 face towels and 10 to 12 hand towels weekly? These towels may look alike, but they have different uses and care needs. Knowing the difference helps pick the right towels and improve hygiene. In this blog, DZEE Home explains the difference between washcloths and hand towels. 

 

Read: Upgrade Your Bath Routine with These Luxurious Washcloth

Introducing Washcloths and Hand Towels

Defining the Two Essential Bathroom Linens

Washcloths, also known as face towels, are small and square, about 13 inches by 13 inches. They are made for washing and drying your face. Hand towels, on the other hand, are bigger and rectangular, measuring 16-18 inches wide by 28-30 inches long. They are meant for drying your hands after washing.

Washcloths and hand towels are both key in the bathroom, but they have different uses. Washcloths are great for cleaning, scrubbing, and exfoliating your skin. Hand towels, however, are mainly for drying your hands, keeping them clean and comfortable.

Washcloth	Hand Towel
Small, square-shaped towel (13" x 13")	Larger, rectangular towel (16-18" x 28-30")
Designed for facial cleansing and drying	Primarily used for drying hands after washing
Highly versatile for various cleaning and scrubbing tasks	Focused on maintaining hand hygiene

Knowing the differences between washcloths and hand towels helps you choose the right ones for your bathroom. This ensures you have the right linen types for your needs.

Size Matters: Dimensions of Washcloths and Hand Towels

Washcloths and hand towels have different sizes for bathroom use. Washcloths are about 13 inches by 13 inches. They are perfect for cleaning and drying your face. Hand towels, however, are bigger, measuring from 15 inches by 25 inches to 18 inches by 30 inches. They offer more space to dry your hands well.

Hand towels' larger size affects how you store and use them in the bathroom. They have more area to dry their hands completely. Washcloths, being smaller, are better for detailed facial care and cleaning.

The size difference between washcloths and hand towels is key. Knowing their sizes helps you choose the right ones for your bathroom, ensuring you have the right tools for your needs.

Primary Functions: Facial Care vs Hand Drying

Distinguishing the Intended Uses

Washcloths, or face towels, are made for gentle facial cleansing. They are small, about 13 inches square, perfect for cleaning the face. They help remove dirt, oil, and makeup gently.

Hand towels, on the other hand, are for drying hands after washing. They are bigger, around 16 to 18 inches wide and 28 to 30 inches long. They are tough and absorbent, ideal for drying hands well.

Characteristic	Washcloth	Hand Towel
Primary Use	Facial care and cleansing	Drying hands after washing
Size	Typically 13 x 13 inches	Approximately 16 x 28-30 inches
Texture	Soft and gentle	Durable and absorbent
Frequency of Use	Recommended to change daily	Can be used for 2-3 days before changing

Knowing the difference between washcloths and hand towels helps keep your bathroom clean and functional.

Fabric Choices: Softness vs Resilience

Choosing the right fabric for washcloths and hand towels is key. For washcloths, softness is a must since they touch your face. combed cotton and microfiber are great because they're soft, soak up water well, and are gentle on the skin.

Hand towels need to be tough and last long because they get used a lot. Long staple cotton blends and combed cotton hand towels are perfect. They're soft but also last a long time.

Exploring Ideal Materials for Each Type

The fabric you pick greatly affects how your washcloths and hand towels feel and last. Here's what's best for each:

• Washcloths: For washcloths, go for soft, absorbent materials like combed cotton and microfiber. They make washing your face a nice experience.
• Hand Towels: Hand towels should be tough and last long. Long staple cotton blends and combed cotton are good because they stay soft and absorbent even after lots of use and washes.

Think about what you need in a fabric to make sure your washcloths and hand towels are both comfy and durable. This way, they'll serve you well for a long time.

 

Difference between washcloth and hand towel

Washcloths and hand towels are key in the bathroom. Knowing their differences helps you pick the right ones. This ensures you stay clean and hygienic.

Size Matters

Hand towels are bigger than washcloths. Hand towels are about 16" x 30", while washcloths are 13" x 13". This size difference makes hand towels better for drying hands.

Primary Functions

Washcloths are for your face, like cleaning or applying creams. Hand towels are for drying your hands after washing.

Fabric Choices

The right fabric matters too. Washcloths need soft, absorbent combed cotton. Hand towels need durable materials like Long staple cotton or combed cotton for frequent use.

Knowing the differences helps you pick the right towels. This ensures you have the right tools for your face and hands.

"Face towels should be changed at least every other day due to accumulating different substances from drying the face, compared to hand towels that should be washed or changed every two days as they are used more frequently, particularly in kitchens."

Laundering Frequency: How Often to Wash

Keeping your bathroom clean and hygienic depends on how often you wash your washcloths and hand towels. Washcloths, which touch your face, should be washed after each use. This prevents bacteria and oils from building up, which can cause skin irritation and spread germs.

Hand towels, however, can be used for a few days before needing a wash. They collect less dirt and grime from drying hands. It's best to wash bath towels after three uses and hand towels daily or every two days.

Towels used at the gym or by someone who's sick should be washed every day. Towels with body fluids need washing after each use for hygiene. The towel's material also affects how often it needs washing.

Towel Type	Recommended Washing Frequency
Washcloth	After each use
Hand Towel	Every 1-2 days
Bath Towel	After 3 uses
Gym Towel	Daily
Towels of Sick Individuals	Daily

By washing your washcloths and hand towels as recommended, you can keep your bathroom clean and healthy. This helps improve your overall health and well-being.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Keeping your washcloths and hand towels fresh and soft is key. Don't use bleach or fabric softeners, as they harm the fibers and cut down on absorbency. Wash towels along with a mild detergent and vinegar in the rinse.

Let towels air-dry to keep them soft and last longer. Storing them in clean, dry places also helps. Scientist Mary Johnson says to hang towels after each use to stop bacteria growth.

Towel Maintenance and Storage

• Wash towels every three to four uses to stop germ buildup and keep them clean.
• Wash towels alone to avoid lint and get a deeper clean without fabric softener.
• Fold towels in thirds to save space and make them easier to use.
• Store towels in clean, dry places to keep them in good condition and avoid mold.

Towel Type	Recommended Wash Frequency
Bath Towels	Every 3-4 uses
Hand Towels	Every 2 days
Beach Towels	After every use

By following these tips on how to care for washcloths, hand towels, towel maintenance, and towel storage, you can make your bathroom linens last longer. They'll stay looking and feeling great for years.

Stocking Up: How Many to Keep on Hand

Figuring out how many washcloths and hand towels you need depends on your household size and personal taste. A good starting point is to have two hand towels per person per week. For washcloths, aim for one to two per person per day. Remember to add extra towels for guests and when you don't do laundry as often.

For how many washcloths to have, think about seven per person. This way, you have one for each day of the week, plus a few extras. Three to four hand towels per person is a good number. It gives you enough for daily use and some extra.

The recommended towel quantities can change based on your household's needs. But it's wise to have at least two full sets of towels per person. This ensures you always have clean towels, even when you're not doing laundry as often. Plus, it's best to replace towels every one to two years for the best hygiene.

"Towels should be refreshed every two years, and bath towels should be washed no more than once a week for best results."

Having the right number of washcloths and hand towels makes your bathroom ready for anything. Your family will always have access to clean, absorbent towels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the differences between washcloths and hand towels is essential for maintaining hygiene and comfort in your bathroom. Each serves a unique purpose, with washcloths designed for gentle facial care and hand towels ideal for drying hands effectively. Choosing the right fabric further enhances their functionality and durability. By selecting the appropriate towels, you ensure a cleaner, more organized space that meets your daily needs effectively.