Bathrobes, like bathroom rugs and throw blankets, are often overlooked on laundry day, but these garments need to be washed just like your other clothing—especially when it comes to robes that are worn regularly.
Much like bath towels, bathrobes harbor dead skin, buildup from products such as lotion and deodorant, and bacteria that thrive on moisture. If you don your robe immediately after bathing or store the robe in a humid or damp bathroom, it is particularly important to launder it regularly to keep uncontrolled bacteria from forming.
How often should you wash your bathrobe? Are all robes created equal when it comes to washing? We have answers to those questions, along with tips for washing bathrobes to extend the life of these beloved garments.
How Often to Wash a Bathrobe
The frequency for washing a bathrobe depends on how the robe is used, but a general rule is to wash a robe every three to five wears. Everyday robes should be washed regularly, following the instructions on the care tag. Robes worn infrequently should still be washed on a schedule to keep dust from building up.
Robes You Wear Every Day
Wash these robes every week to every other week; robes that are worn over other clothes, like pajamas, may not need to be washed as frequently as robes that are donned when naked.
Robes You Wear Regularly but Not Every Day
Robes you wear often but not daily should be washed every other week to once a month to keep stains, smells, and harmful bacteria at bay.
Robes You Wear Infrequently or Special Occasion Robes
Even robes that are worn infrequently need to be washed to eliminate dust and other environmental soils. Aim to wash special occasion robes every three to six months. You may also store an infrequently worn robe in a breathable garment bag to keep it dust-free.
4 Signs a Robe Needs Laundering
In addition to establishing a basic laundering schedule for robes based on how often they’re worn, there are signs that indicate it’s time to wash your robe.
1. It Smells
Bathrobes worn immediately after bathing are a breeding ground for bacteria that thrive on moisture. If you notice a sour, mildew smell, wash the bathrobe immediately. Similarly, if you notice body odor or fragrance from perfume or personal grooming products clinging to the robe, it is time to wash it.
2. You Spilled Something or Otherwise Stained It
From your morning coffee to a blob of foundation, robes can be a magnet for spills and stains. Unfortunately, if left untreated, stains on robes can become set in and difficult, if not impossible, to remove. Therefore, wash a stained robe as soon as possible to keep it looking its best.
3. The Texture Changes
If the robe feels stiff or rough, body soil and product buildup are affecting its texture, and it needs to be washed. Pay particular attention to the collar and underarm area, where buildup from deodorant and hair styling products is common.
4. You’ve Been Sick
Always wash your bathrobe after you’ve been sick to prevent the spread of germs that can prolong your illness or spread to others in your household.
Tips for Washing Every Type of Bathrobe
Before washing a bathrobe, consult the care tag for instructions about the water temperature, wash cycle, and drying method the manufacturer recommends. The care tag also offers information about laundering products or techniques to avoid to prevent damage. Additionally, keep the following general guidelines in mind when washing a bathrobe.
Cotton Robes: Absorbent cotton tends to trap body soils such as sweat, dead skin, and sebum, making them more prone to harbor bacteria. If your go-to robe is made from cotton, wash it regularly in cold water and dry it on a low-to-medium heat setting to prevent shrinking.
Linen Robes: Durable linen becomes softer the more frequently it is washed, so go ahead and wash your linen robe regularly. Linen is also fast-drying and can be air-dried or put in a short, low-heat dryer cycle. Linen is prone to wrinkling, so you may opt to iron a linen robe when it is still damp from the wash.
Fleece and Terry Cloth Robes: Fleece and terry cloth robes should not be laundered with liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets. These products can leave a coating that reduces the absorbency of the fabric and traps bacteria-causing odors.
Silk Robes: Washing silk by hand is the best approach, but many silk robes can be machine-washed. Opt for the delicate cycle and cold water to provide silk robes with the gentlest possible machine-washing experience. Silk robes should be air-dried flat; do not put a silk robe in the dryer.
Removing Stains from Robes
Before washing a bathrobe, check for stains and pretreat them prior to laundering. Stains on robes tend to appear in one of three places—the chest, collar, and cuffs—so pay particular attention to stains from food, drinks, and makeup, as well as dingy or waxy buildup from products such as deodorant and lotion.
Sources:
- All photos used in this blogpost are sourced from the internet, and the rights belong to their respective owners
- Kerr, J. (2025a, January 25). How often do you really need to wash bathrobes? Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/how-often-to-wash-bathrobes-8762189