9 Things That We Wash Too Often, and 9 More That We Usually Forget About
Approximately 90% of the clothes we wash are not truly dirty, resulting in a significant amount of unnecessary laundry. Many people launder garments with only mild odors or wrinkles, leading to wasted water, energy, and detergent. This overuse of resources not only raises household costs but also harms the environment.
Meanwhile, as we focus on certain items, we often ignore others that genuinely need cleaning. This oversight allows dirt and odor to accumulate, eventually requiring more intensive washing. To make laundry routines more efficient, it is important to assess which items actually need washing and organize them for the best results.
To address these challenges, we examined how often the washing machine should be used. By creating a schedule based on actual clothing needs, we can ensure only necessary items are washed, saving resources and reducing environmental impact.
1. Jeans versus leggings
Washing jeans too frequently can reduce their lifespan and cause fading. Each wash can make denim lose its shape, and warm temperatures may cause shrinkage, altering the fit.
To preserve your jeans, avoid frequent washing. Chip Bergh, CEO of Levi’s, has not machine-washed his jeans in over ten years. He believes less washing maintains denim’s color and structure, while conserving water and protecting the environment. He recommends spot cleaning when needed, following early denim wearers who valued durability. If machine washing is necessary, turn jeans inside out and use cold water only when they are truly dirty.
Leggings require a different approach. Designed to absorb moisture, leggings can quickly develop bacteria and odors. For everyday wear, washing after two or three uses is usually sufficient. After workouts, however, it is best to wash them each time to maintain freshness and hygiene.
