Many of us routinely toss garments into the wash after wearing them just a few times, but this habit can harm both our clothes and home items.
While it's perfectly fine to do laundry after spills or workouts, certain everyday items actually fare better with less frequent washing, according to laundry professionals.
Here are five common items often washed too much, along with recommendations for how often they should stay in the laundry basket.
Commonly Overwashed Items
Overwashing is a frequent error that can lead to increased energy and water costs, as well as wear on fabric fibers, explains a cleaning expert:
'Washing items too often can accelerate fabric deterioration, negatively impact the environment, increase resource consumption, and lead to more frequent replacements, driving up costs and waste.'
Understanding which items require fewer washes is a smart technique to save time and effort, allowing you to enjoy your clothing and linens longer.
1. Denim
Denim is a top culprit for excessive washing, regardless of its quality, says a leading fashion stylist:
'Many wash their denim too often, which can cause fading, shrinking, and loss of form,' she notes. It's better to wash denim only when truly necessary, about every five to ten wears.
'Consider spot cleaning and air drying to maintain the fabric's quality, and always check the care labels before washing,' she adds. 'For those passionate about denim, freezing jeans can eliminate bacteria without the need for a wash.'
2. Wool and Home Textiles
Whether you're cleaning a wool blanket or washing cashmere, it's crucial to extend the time between washes to preserve softness and shape, the stylist advises.
She recommends washing wool items every five wears at the most, using cold water and a gentle cycle, while ensuring to review the care instructions first.
'Always lay wool garments flat to dry to keep their shape intact.'
The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo | View at Amazon
This shampoo is ideal for maintaining delicate fibers, ensuring sweaters and blankets remain soft for years.
3. Elastic Fabrics
From activewear to leggings, fabrics with elastic properties should be washed with care, making sorting laundry crucial, according to another cleaning expert.
'Overwashing can damage the elasticity of the fabric,' they explain. While it's important to wash gym clothes after each use, outerwear and everyday items should only go in the wash every three wears.
4. Bras
Bras and similar garments, which are worn intimately for long durations, might seem like they need washing after each wear. However, a stylist recommends a different approach.
'Washing bras too frequently can compromise their shape and elasticity. Instead, wash them after every three to four wears, unless they're heavily soiled,' she suggests.
'Hand washing in cold water with mild detergent is best for preserving the fabric's quality, and if using a machine, select a gentle cycle and avoid washing with towels.'
'Air drying by laying the bra flat is crucial, as machine drying can harm the underwire and elastic.'
Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bags | View at Amazon
These durable laundry bags are designed for washing delicate items, minimizing wear in machines.
5. Sleepwear
While maintaining a clean bed is essential for better sleep and skin health, some people tend to wash pajamas too often.
'Washing pajamas frequently can lead to fading and reduce softness,' notes a sustainability expert. 'Pajamas worn in a clean environment can be used up to three times before washing, and using cold water helps maintain fabric quality.'
Keeping your PJs comfortable while practicing good sleep hygiene is key to a better night's rest.
Downy Rinse & Refresh Cool Cotton | View at Target
This laundry odor remover works to eliminate trapped odors, keeping fabrics fresher for longer between washes.
Common Questions
How can I tell if I'm washing clothes too much?
If your clothing feels different or color fades quickly, you may be overwashing. Fabrics that lack softness, don't retain their shape, or appear dull could indicate a need to adjust your washing habits.
How do I know if I'm overloading the washing machine?
Overloading the washing machine is another way to damage clothing. Never fill the drum more than three-quarters full to ensure garments have room to move freely and to allow detergent to reach every area of the fabric.
Washing these items less often benefits both the fibers and your wallet. Reducing laundry loads will cut down on energy expenses while maximizing the lifespan of your clothes, so you won't need to replace them as often. It's a win-win!
