Items That Could Potentially Be Over-Washed Frequently
Let's Cut Back on the Laundry:
washing your family's stinky socks ain't a crime, but there are some household items we can get a little too enthusiastic about cleaning. Over-laundering can wear out, fade, or shrink fabrics prematurely. Here are eight things you might be washing too much:
Denim Garments
Washing denim clothes routinely can cause them to fade quickly and weaken fibers, leading to fraying or holes. To keep your favorite denim blue, wait at least three to four wears before washing jeans. In the meantime, spot-clean stains as necessary.
Everyday Bras (except Sports Bras)
Exercise clothes need to be washed after each use, but your everyday bra doesn't require the same frequency. Washing bras too often can damage the elastic and wires, leading to an ill-fitting bra. Wait until after the third wear or unless it was particularly sweaty to wash your bra. Rotate your bras to prevent stretching them out.
Towels
Remember when your towels were as fluffy as clouds? Over-washing can make them thin and scratchy. Wash towels after three uses or less frequently, like once a week. Hang them to dry after each use and rotate between two towels if they take a while to dry.
Blankets and Comforters
Unless your blanket or comforter is in contact with your body, they probably don't need to go in the laundry with your sheets. Wait to wash blankets and comforters about once every three months, or as often as once a month. A decorative comforter folded at the end of the bed only requires washing a couple of times a year.
Wool Sweaters and Throws
Over-washing can lead to a misshapen sweater that pills or shrinks. To prolong the life of your favorite cashmere, wash as infrequently as possible. Wear a shirt underneath to protect the fabric and opt for hand-washing and air-drying when possible. Wait until after five wears before washing sweaters, and wash throws a few times a year.
Pajamas
With adults, pajamas can be worn three times before washing. Kids may need to be washed after each use due to messes and accidents.
Outerwear (coats and jackets)
Outerwear shouldn't need frequent washing since you typically have multiple layers underneath. Once a season is enough, especially for sensitive materials like down, wool, or leather. You might want to wash your fleece jacket more often if worn over a light T-shirt or on long hikes.
Area Rugs (except for bath mats)
Washable rugs are popular nowadays, but that doesn't mean they need to be cleaned every week. Vacuum them weekly, but save the cleaning for serious spills. In general, clean rugs once or twice a year to preserve the fibers.
Bath mats require more frequent cleaning due to regular moisture and potential germs. A bath mat that's used daily should be washed every one to two weeks.
References:
- Frequency of Washing Towels
- Washing Bras
- Washing Comforters
- Washing Outerwear
- Cleaning Rugs
- Despite the overzealous inclination to clean, spending less time on washing denim garments, everyday bras (except sports bras), towels, blankets and comforters, wool sweaters and throws, pajamas, outerwear (coats and jackets), and area rugs (except for bath mats) can help maintain their quality and prolong their lifespan, according to Southern Living's recommendations for cutting back on the laundry.
- To maintain the fluffiness of towels, they should be washed after three uses or less frequently, such as once a week. On the other hand, bathroom mats that are used daily should be washed every one to two weeks due to regular moisture and potential germs.
- Household items such as pajamas can be worn three times before washing for adults, while kids may need to be washed after each use due to messes and accidents.
- When it comes to washing outerwear like coats and jackets, once a season is usually sufficient, except for fleece jackets that may require more frequent washing if worn over a light T-shirt or on long hikes. The F306558d389138e16712bc9ef40d974c reference aids in understanding the importance of minimizing the laundry frequency for diverse outerwear materials.
