Just because you have worn something it does not mean it needs to go straight into the wash. When it comes to clothing, you shouldn’t gauge when to wash items by time at all, but instead by how many times you’ve worn them. Laundry is a time consuming chore so if we can cut back a few washes a week it will save us both time and money.
My following recommendations are meant as general guidelines rather than hard and fast rules. Remember, a sniff check is still a quick and easy way to determine when it’s time for a wash. And of course, common sense applies. For example if you have been at home all day then you know your items aren’t dirty but if you have been out sitting in public places, playing in the park with your children and using public transport then your clothing will most probably need washing.
Also Items will need washing more often during the sweltering summer months.
Don’t forget that you can also refresh your clothes rather than wash them, use a garment steamer to remove creases, kill germs and refresh or use a clothing fabric refresher spray to fragrance and freshen up.
After every wear
Tights, Knickers, pants, socks, shirts, camisoles, vest tops, blouses, leggings, swim suits and sportswear.
The commonality among the garments in this section is that they are close-fitting, which means they’re more likely to absorb your perspiration and body oils and will require frequent cleaning to bust bacteria and continue smelling fresh.
Every 2 to 3 wears
Dresses, trousers, skirts, jumpers, sweaters, jeans, trousers, PJ’s and bra’s
This is where you need to use your common sense and maybe your nose. If you’re wearing a camisole or vest top underneath your sweater, jumper or dress then you can probably get multiple uses. PJ’s will last you a few nights simply because you’re inactive while sleeping, but the other items on this list can actually wear out from over-washing. Washing a bra too often can damage its elasticity, which is crucial for proper support, and jeans will fade or wear thin in too many wash cycles.
Every week
Bathmats, pillow cases, sheets and duvet covers
Fortnightly
Dressing gowns, pillow protectors, mattress protectors, throws and blankets if being used regularly and door mats.
Once a month
Shower curtains and cushion covers
Every season
Pillows, duvets, outwear, hats, gloves and scarfs
Unless you’ve dropped food on your coat or stained it in some other way, you really don’t need to wash it very often. Same goes for winter accessories, although these items need to be washed a bit more frequently as they’re in closer contact with your skin so can more easily pick up body odours.
