Lightly used kitchen towels can usually be washed with bath towels when using warm water, proper detergent, and enough space in the washing machine. Drying them completely is equally important because damp towels can develop odors and allow bacteria to multiply.
Heavily soiled kitchen towels require more care. Towels used around raw meat, greasy cookware, or large spills should be washed separately or on a hotter, more intensive cycle to prevent contamination from spreading to cleaner items.
A practical routine works best: wash bathroom towels together, separate heavily contaminated kitchen towels, dry everything thoroughly, and replace towels that continue to smell or feel unclean.
