Kitchen towels and bath towels do not always need separate washes. The deciding factor is their use, not simply which room they came from. A cloth reserved for drying freshly washed hands or clean dishes can generally go in with bathroom towels. Bath towels typically collect moisture and skin residue, while kitchen towels can accumulate cooking oils and food particles. Use suitable detergent and a wash setting that follows the items’ care instructions.
Keep heavily soiled kitchen cloths out of that shared load, particularly those used around raw food preparation or to wipe greasy surfaces. Washing these separately helps limit the transfer of residue and odors. Give towels enough space to move freely in the machine, then dry them completely before storage or reuse. Putting them away damp encourages musty smells and mildew. There is no need to overhaul your routine: sorting by use and thorough drying make the difference.