How Often Should You Wash Your Clothes? The Definitive Guide

It's a question that has plagued humans for centuries - how often should you wash your clothes? The answer, of course, depends on a variety of factors, including how usually you wear them and how dirty they get.

This blog post will discuss the best ways to wash your clothes safely and effectively. We'll also give you some tips on how to extend the life of your clothes!

Bath Towels

Bath towels should be washed at least once a week. This is because they can harbor many bacteria, and they tend to get dirty quickly. Towels are damp and warm, making them the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

If you use your towel more than once between washes, make sure to hang it up to dry so that it doesn't get musty. You should also avoid using fabric softener on towels, as this can make them less absorbent.

Workout Clothes

Yoga pants, leggings, and other workout clothes should be washed after every wear. Body oils and odor can build up quickly on these items, which can be challenging to remove. If you don't have time to wash your workout clothes after every wear, make sure to air them out so that they don't get musty.

According to experts, even if you don't sweat during your workout, it's important to wash these items regularly. Bacteria can build up on clothing, and you don't want to risk getting a skin infection. Body odor will also build up over time, so it's best to err on the side of caution and wash your workout clothes often.

Another tip is to separate clothes from activewear since the two garments require extra care. Clothes meant to absorb sweat can damage other clothes in the wash if they're not correctly cared for.

On the other hand, activewear made from synthetic materials can break down over time and release microplastics into the water supply. So, it's best to use a microplastic-catching bag like the Guppyfriend Mircoplastic-Catching Bag.

Everyday Clothing

Most people only need to wash clothes every two or three wears. However, this depends on how dirty the clothes get and how often you sweat. 

It's important to note that washing regularly doesn't mean using a lot of detergents. In fact, overusing detergent can actually damage your clothes and make them less absorbent. So, use the recommended amount of detergent for each load and avoid excess suds.

Jeans

Jeans can be worn several times before washing - how often you clean them depends on how usually you wear them and how dirty they get. If you’re wearing jeans for more labor-intensive or dirty activities, they’ll need more frequent washing.

Experts suggest that the less you wash your jeans, the better. This is because washing jeans can cause them to fade and wear out more quickly. If you must wash your jeans, make sure to turn them inside out and wash them on a gentle cycle. You should also avoid using fabric softener, which can damage denim. You can also try the old trick of freezing your jeans for a few hours to kill bacteria.

Bed Sheets

There are no hard and fast rules for how often to wash your bedsheets. However, most people wash their sheets every one to two weeks. This is because sheets can harbor many bacteria, and they tend to get dirty quickly.

If you have pets or suffer from allergies, you may need to wash your sheets more often. You should also wash your pillowcases regularly - most people wash them once a week along with their sheets, or for more frequent washing, you can throw them in with a load of regular clothes.

Winter Coats and Hats

Winter coats and hats should be washed a few times a season, or after vigorous activity. However, if you wear them more often, you may need to wash them more frequently.

When washing winter coats and hats, make sure to use a gentle cycle and a mild washing soap. You should also avoid using fabric softener, which can damage the coat or hat. After washing, make sure to air-dry the items in the laundry room or on a clothesline.

Pajamas

Did you know that dead skin cells, sweat, and body oils can build up in your pajamas? That's why it's essential to wash them regularly. Most people wash their pajamas once a week, but this may vary depending on how often you wear them.

Dirty pajamas or sleepwear can harbor bacteria, leading to skin infections and irritation.

Tips to Wash Clothes Safely and Effectively

Ready to conquer the laundry room? Here are some tips to help you wash clothes safely and effectively:

Use the recommended amount of detergent or soap for each load

Too much detergent can damage your clothes since it can leave a residue that will make them less absorbent. Additionally, it can cause irritation if it gets on your skin.

Use a pre-treater for tough stains

If you have a tough stain, it's best to treat it before washing the garment. Our Stain Stick is great for removing difficult stains.

Separate clothes by color

If you're washing a load of clothes with different colors, you should separate them into different loads. This will help prevent the colors from bleeding and fading. 

Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible

Cold water is gentler on your clothes, and it uses less energy, which saves you money. In most cases, you can get the same results by washing your clothes in cold water as you can with hot water. Both the environment and your clothes will thank you.

For cold water washes using Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap, we recommend dissolving one scoop of Laundry Soap in 8oz cold water (we like to shake up the mixture in a 16oz jar kept on our laundry cart). Pour the mixture into the washer drum, then add laundry and wash on cold.