Here's How Often You Really Need To Be Washing Your Robe

Few things feel quite as luxurious as slipping on a bathrobe. Whether your robe is for wearing as another layer over pajamas as you sip your morning coffee or for use as a second towel, wrapping you up in its warm coziness as soon as you step foot out of the shower, these loungewear staples need care and maintenance too.

It all starts with getting on a regular washing schedule. Washing your robe is important from both a hygiene standpoint, as well as for prolonging its lifespan. Factors such as your robe type, usage, and more, will determine how often you should give it a wash. To help uncover the best practices for robe washing, we tapped Liz Eichholz, co-founder and creative director of Atlanta-based towel and robe brand Weezie. Here the towel expert shares her expertise on how to keep your robe in top shape.

Factors to Consider

When it comes to how often you should be washing your robe, there are a variety of factors to consider:

• Note the fabric and its intended purpose. “A Weezie Robe is composed of very absorbent terry, and can trap sweat and other body oils that might lead to the growth of bacteria,” says Eichholz. “Washing your robe regularly can help prevent the growth of bacteria and prevent unwanted build up on the fibers.” Less absorbent materials or those that are more delicate like silk, satin, and cashmere will likely require less frequent washing.
• Another way to decrease how often you need to wash your robe is to wear it over pajamas. For this type of use, fabrics like velvet, chenille, and flannel are all ideal.
• Take into consideration how often you use your robe. If you use it every day, you’ll want to ensure it hits the wash more frequently than the green velvet robe you wear once a year on Christmas morning. As with any clothing item, using your judgment to determine how often it should see the dirty clothes hamper will pay off as long as you follow the proper washing techniques.

How Often Should You Wash a Robe Generally 

“I recommend washing your robe every two to three uses—especially when using it straight out of the shower,” says Eichholz. “The best case is to go ahead and throw your robe into the wash when you wash your towels.”

While we’ve established that how you use your robe is important when determining how often to wash it, erring on the side of more frequent washes likely won’t hurt as long as you’re working with a sturdy fabric and following the item’s care label instructions.

Recommendations for Different Robe Types

No matter what type of robe you’re washing, you’ll want to ensure you’re washing it alone or with other towels or terry robes. “Always avoid washing [a robe] with clothing as harsher fabrics, zippers, and hooks can cause damage to your robe,” advises Eichholz. You’ll also want to wash your robe with items that are similar in color in order to avoid color transfer and/or fading. From there, use these guidelines for washing the most common robe types.

Cotton Robe

A cotton robe can typically be washed in the washing machine on a normal cycle. Due to the absorbency of the fabric, you can add ½ the amount of detergent that you would typically use on a load of similar size in order to reduce the potential for detergent residue which can stiffen the cotton. Machine dry on low heat for best results.

Silk Robe

It’s best to hand wash a silk robe in cold water with a mild detergent. Because of their delicate nature, silk items should be laid flat to dry.

Fleece Robe

Skip the fabric softeners for a fleece robe as this can cause damage to the fibers and result in pilling. You’ll also want to avoid washing your fleece robe with towels and other terry items as they will produce lint that will stick to the fleece. Wash in cool water on the gentle cycle and air dry.

Signs That Your Robe Needs Washing

There are certain obvious signs that your robe needs to hit the hamper—visible dirt and odors among them. But there are also a few less obvious signs that your robe needs a little TLC. “If your robe is feeling stiffer than normal or isn’t drying as well, then it’s probably time to wash it,” advises Eichholz. “Also, if there are any stains, I use that as my sign to throw it in the wash!”

Proper Washing Techniques

It’s always best to wash your robe according to the garment’s care instructions as the manufacturer will have taken into consideration the fabric composition as well as other factors that can impact proper care. In general, though, these instructions can be used as a general guide for washing your robe.

Pretreat Stains

Before washing, pretreat any stains using a stain formula specifically suited for your robe’s fabric. Follow the stain-fighter’s instructions before washing.

Machine Wash

Cotton and fleece robes can be washed in the washing machine but be sure to wash with similar items and keep your load size small to ensure the fabric is fully rinsed and clean when the cycle is complete. Use cool water to avoid shrinkage, skip the fabric softener, and use a small amount of mild detergent to avoid detergent residue from lurking on the fabric after washing.

Hand Wash

Delicate fabrics like silk should be hand-washed in cool water. Using a bucket, sink, or basin, submerge the robe in the water, before adding a few drops of delicate detergent. Swish the robe around in the solution then let it sit for 5 minutes. Swish the garment around again, drain the tub, basin, or sink, and rinse the robe in cold water. Do not ring to remove excess water but, instead, use a towel to gently absorb the excess moisture.

Vary Your Drying Method

Drying methods should vary based on your robe’s material type. Cotton robes can be dried on low heat. Remove from the dryer promptly once the robe is dry. For materials like silk and fleece, it’s best to air dry.

 Care and Maintenance Tips

Take good care of your robe and your robe will be your trusty sidekick for years to come. Avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach, fabric softeners, and the like will help keep your robe soft and absorbent as these formulas could break down the fabric, leave behind fabric-stiffening residue, or cause pilling and other concerns. Beyond the basics, it’s best to consult your robe’s care label for more best practices. “99% of the robes that I own are terry cloth (I'm a bit biased!), but I always recommend following the care instructions from the brand you're purchasing from,” says Eichholz.