Final answer:
Towels should typically be washed after 3-4 uses and linens once a week, using liquid fabric softener in the final rinse cycle to maintain softness. The maintenance of textiles has historical importance, as seen with ancient linen cloths.
Step-by-step explanation:
How often towels and linens should be laundered depends on their use and exposure to dirt and bacteria. Generally speaking, towels that are used for drying the body should be washed after 3-4 uses to prevent the buildup of bacteria, mildew, and odors. Linens, such as bed sheets, should be washed at least once a week. Considering the mechanical stress that machine washing puts on textiles, particularly natural fibers like cotton and wool, it is worthwhile to use a liquid fabric softener during the final rinse cycle to maintain the softness of the laundry. The practice of maintaining textiles and ensuring their longevity has roots in history; for instance, when linen cloths used in ancient cult activities became too worn, they were given to priests, indicating that care was taken to extend the use of textiles in the past.