• Washcloths can be purchased in large quantities.washcloths image by palms from Fotolia.com
  
  Bath towels are available for purchase at department stores across the nation and are used for many functions in and around the restroom area. Bath towels provide absorbency to soak up water after cleansing and aid in the cleansing process. Towels can also act as decorative accessories, pulling together the color scheme of your bathroom and providing textural detail.
  
  

Washcloths

• Washcloths are small squares of terrycloth used mainly for small tasks, such as cleansing the body in the shower or washing the face over the sink. Standard size washcloths are 13 by 13 inches square. Washcloths are typically used once, and their size makes them ideal for removing impurities from the skin. The washcloth's material allows it to absorb a combination of water and body soap to provide a gentle lather and an easy way to gently exfoliate the body.
  
  

Hand Towels

• Hand towels are often used for decoration and to dry off hands after washing. They have a rectangular shape and measure 16 inches by 28 inches. The hand towel is typically near the sink, either placed on a special hook designed to hold it or folded gently on the side of the sink. Reusing hand towels, even by numerous people, is acceptable, because the main function of a hand towel is to absorb water from clean hands. The hand towel can then dry on the hook and be used again by the next individual. Many hosts wash hand towels on a regular basis for sanitary purposes.
  
  

Standard Bath Towels

• Standard bath towels are used to absorb residual water from a person's body after exiting a shower or bath. The bath towel is rectangular in shape, but much larger than a hand towel, as it is designed to wrap around a body. The standard bath towel is 27 inches by 52 inches. Many people reuse their own standard bath towels once or twice after allowing it to air dry, but do not feel comfortable sharing bath towels due to sanitary reasons.
  
  

Bath Sheets

• Bath sheets provide the same function as standard bath towels but have a much larger surface area. The sizes of bath sheets can range from manufacturer to manufacturer, but can be over six feet in length. Bath sheets provide more absorption and more coverage than standard bath towels and are often considered more comfortable and luxurious..