Not sure when to toss your favorite dress or jeans in the wash? Here are some chill guidelines to help you out.
General Tips
There aren’t any hard and fast rules about how often to wash your clothes, but a few things can help you figure it out. First off, think about how many times you’ve worn something. It’s not just about how long it’s been since the last wash; the more you wear it, the more often it needs a clean.
If you spill something on your clothes, try to treat the stain right away, wash it, or take it to the dry cleaner. If there’s no visible stain, just give it a sniff. If it smells funky, it’s time for a wash!
Sweat is a biggie too. If you tend to sweat in something, it’ll need washing more often. Sweat can lead to bacteria and can mess up your clothes over time, so it’s best to get rid of it quickly.
The season also plays a role. In winter, you might wear a shirt a few times before washing it, but in the summer heat, you’ll probably want to wash it after just one or two wears.
Plus, washing your clothes regularly can help keep your skin clear. Dirty clothes can harbor bacteria that might lead to breakouts, so if you’re having skin issues, it might be time to wash your clothes more often, especially those that sit close to your skin.
Is It Bad to Wash Clothes Too Much or Too Little?
Washing your clothes regularly not only keeps them smelling fresh and looking good, but it also helps them last longer. Sweat and product buildup can damage the fabric, and stains are way harder to get out if you let them sit.
But keep in mind how effective your washing machine is at getting dirt out without wrecking your clothes. Some items, like jeans, don’t need to be washed as often, while others, like bras, should be washed more frequently. Here’s a quick guide:
- 1 time: White or silk items, swimsuits, T-shirts, tank tops, thin sweaters, evening dresses (dry clean), underwear, socks.
- 1-3 times: Leggings, shapewear, blouses, dresses.
- 2-3 times: Shorts, pants, cotton or cashmere sweaters.
- 5-6 times: Jackets, blazers, wool or synthetic sweaters.
- 6-7 times: Fleece jackets, hoodies, sweatshirts.
Some things only need a wash a few times a season:
- 1-2 times: Leather or suede jackets, wool coats, classic trousers and skirts, sweatshirts, down jackets, and vests.
- 3-5 times: Hats, scarves, gloves.
How Often to Wash Specific Items
Bras: Some say wash after 1-2 wears, while others say 3-4 is fine. If you wore it for a short time and didn’t sweat much, you can stretch it a bit. But if you’ve been wearing it all day, give it a break between wears to help it keep its shape.
Jeans: Generally, wash them after every 4-5 wears, but some folks say even less often—like every 6 weeks or after 10 wears. The old Levi’s head honcho even suggested never washing them! Just be careful not to wash them too soon, or you might lose that cool faded look.
Coats and Jackets: Usually, you only need to clean these once or twice a season. Leather and suede jackets are best dry cleaned, while wool coats can also go to the dry cleaner a couple of times a season. Fleece jackets can be washed after about six wears.
Hats, Gloves, Scarves: Aim to wash these about 3-5 times a season. If they’re cotton or synthetic, just toss them in a mesh bag to keep them safe in the wash.
Sportswear: It really depends on how hard you work out. If you’re sweating a lot, wash after each workout; otherwise, every 2-3 workouts should be fine. Use warm or cold water to keep the fabric stretchy.
Pajamas: You can wash these every 3-4 wears, or even less if you don’t sweat much at night. But don’t wait too long—pajamas can still hold onto sweat and bacteria, especially if you’re not wearing anything underneath.
Swimsuits: Always wash these after each wear to get rid of sweat, sunscreen, and pool chemicals. Let them air dry instead of tossing them in the dryer to keep them in good shape.
So there you have it! Keep these tips in mind, and your clothes will stay fresh and last longer.
