If you’re like most moms and dads, having clean clothes and linens to put away is uber satisfying – once it’s finally done! If you find yourself doing loads and loads and loads of laundry, this advice should help you. Maybe, just maybe, you’re washing some things more than you need to.
How often DO you really need to wash your stuff? Here’s the dirt.
- Outer clothes like dress shirts and khakis can be worn a few times before washing (unless they are stained), so fight that urge to toss them in the laundry basket after just one wearing.
- Sheets can be washed every two weeks (unless you’re a sweaty sleeper, in which case it’s once a week), and towels should be washed after 4-5 uses (just be sure to let them dry out between showers). If they’re ultra-sweaty-gross, wash them sooner.
- For exercise clothes, it depends on how sweaty you got while working out. Definitely wash dirty gym clothes asap!
- Jeans can typically be worn three times – maybe more – before washing them. We are hearing that some people don’t wash their jeans but put them in the freezer instead – they say that freezing temps can kill some of the bacteria resulting from routine wear, without risk of shrinking. Don’t believe this hype! The bacteria (frozen or not) is actually not that big of deal. But you’ll still need to wash away stains, sweat and any skin that is sloughed off…
- PJs can be washed after three or four wears – even more if you shower before wearing them. More often if they are worn for more than sleeping!
- Underwear….do you need to ask?
And, just saying, stuff that’s really sweaty and worn closest to your skin like t-shirts, camisoles, tights, bathing suits and socks, may need to be washed after each time you wear them. To get the best results for all your washables, read and follow the care labels on your clothes and detergent packages.
great advice!