References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
No. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis, and herpes cannot be transmitted through shared towels. These organisms die rapidly outside the human body and cannot survive long enough on fabric to infect another person.
The only infections that can realistically spread through shared towels or bedding are pubic lice and scabies, which are parasites that can survive on fabric for 24-72 hours.
For a detailed breakdown of every STI and its survival on fabric, see our full guide: Can you get an STI from bed sheets?
Why Towels Don’t Transmit Most STIs
- Chlamydia trachomatis dies within seconds on dry surfaces
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae is extremely fragile outside the body
- HIV becomes non-viable within minutes outside bodily fluids
- Herpes simplex virus dies quickly on dry fabric
- These organisms need warm, moist human tissue to survive
What CAN Spread Through Towels
- Pubic lice: Can survive up to 48 hours on towels and bedding
- Scabies: Mites survive up to 72 hours on fabric
- Fungal infections: Ringworm and athlete’s foot fungi can survive on damp towels
These are treated with topical creams/lotions and washing all affected fabrics at 60°C.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Chlamydia requires direct sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral) for transmission. Towels are not a transmission route.
Should I worry about using gym towels?
For STIs, no. For fungal infections like athlete’s foot, it’s worth using your own towel. Gyms should launder shared towels at high temperatures between uses.
Related reading
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Can You Get an STI From Being Fingered?
- Can You Catch an STI From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Clear HPV Once You Have It?
- Can You Die From Hepatitis B?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
