A clothing expert warns Brits that unwashed towels and swimwear can harbour dangerous bacteria, fungi and staph infections that pose serious health risks. 

Faye Oakenfull, marketing director at Centra, a composable e-commerce platform for global consumer brands, explains that many people are unaware that damp towels create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, with some microorganisms multiplying to millions within just 24 hours of use. 

Left unchecked, these microorganisms can trigger skin irritation, rashes, and infections that may require treatment, particularly if you have small cuts or grazes. Those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema can also find flare-ups becoming more frequent when bacteria levels rise.

“Beach and pool bags often contain a cocktail of germs from wet swimwear, sunscreen residue and environmental contaminants that can lead to skin infections, athlete’s foot, and even respiratory issues if left unchecked,” she reveals. 

“Establishing regular cleaning routines for all beach accessories can help prevent both health issues and premature wear of expensive swimwear.” 

Rinse swimwear immediately 

“Many people make the mistake of leaving wet swimwear in their bag for hours,” Oakenfull says. “This creates the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply.” 

The expert tells people to rinse swimsuits in cold water straight after swimming to remove chlorine, salt and sunscreen residue that can damage the fabric and harbour bacteria.

If you skip this step, bacteria and fungi can linger in the fibres, increasing the chance of itching, redness or fungal infections in warmer, more sensitive areas of the body, especially during hot summer days when skin is already more prone to sweating.

Wash beach towels every two to three uses 

According to Oakenfull, beach towels should be laundered after every two to three uses, more frequently if visibly soiled or damp for extended periods. “Beach towels are used in the dirtiest of environments, and they pick up everything from sand and dirt to body oils and bacteria. So, it’s best not to wait too long in between washes,” she explains. 

The same happens with swimsuits. Instead of being properly cleaned, many Brits give their swimsuits a quick rinse and wear them multiple times, creating perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. 

The specialist reveals that washing your towels in hot water cycles at 60°C with laundry disinfectant will kill most germs. 

“Wash with mild detergent within 24 hours, using gentle cycles for machine washing, but never use fabric softener as it breaks down elastic fibres. For delicate swimwear that requires cooler washing, use antimicrobial detergents specifically designed for cold water cycles,” Oakenfull recommends. 

Not washing often enough means those bacteria and oils remain on the fabric and can transfer straight back to your skin the next time you use the towel, potentially causing folliculitis (infected hair follicles) or triggering back and shoulder acne.

Clean your beach bag weekly 

Beach bags collect all the germs, sand, and moisture from your items, yet many people never wash them. As a matter of fact, when was the last time you cleaned your bag? 

Oakenfull recommends cleaning canvas or cotton bags every week during regular use. Machine washing works well, but hand washing with warm soapy water is gentler on decorative bags. 

For plastic or waterproof bags, she explains that antibacterial wipes or a water and vinegar solution work best. 

“If a beach bag is never cleaned, any residual dampness inside can allow mould and bacteria to thrive, contaminating freshly washed towels and swimwear as soon as they’re packed. A musty smell or dark spots inside the lining are signs it’s already happening,” she adds.

Dry items thoroughly 

Proper drying significantly reduces bacterial growth on towels and swimwear. “Bacteria and fungi thrive in damp environments, so complete drying prevents most problems before they start,” Oakenfull explains. 

Hang items in direct sunlight when possible, as UV light kills certain bacteria. If using a tumble dryer, the expert reveals that high heat settings work for towels, but that swimwear lasts longer when air-dried. 

Regularly using damp towels or swimsuits can allow fungi like ringworm to take hold, which often shows up as circular rashes, peeling skin or persistent itching, problems that are far easier to prevent than to treat.

Don’t share your towel 

It’s not unusual for people to share towels when travelling together, but this common habit can quietly raise the risk of spreading conditions such as athlete’s foot and ringworm between friends or family, the expert warns. 

If sharing towels is unavoidable, like when travelling with children, Oakenfull recommends washing them in hot water as soon as possible after use. 

“Some of these infections can develop within a matter of days, so watch for early warning signs such as redness, unusual rashes, or persistent itchiness, and wash shared towels promptly to stop them spreading further,” she adds.