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Doing laundry is one of those unavoidable chores that can feel like a never-ending cycle. But what if I told you that doing less laundry could be beneficial in multiple ways? Not only does it save you time and money, but it also helps the environment and extends the life of your clothes.
How To Do Less Laundry: The Benefits
Let’s dive into the many reasons how doing less laundry can make a big difference in your daily life and the world around you.
Energy
Reducing the frequency of your laundry means using your washing machine and dryer less often, which significantly cuts down on energy consumption. This not only lowers your electricity bill but also reduces your carbon footprint.
Water
Every load of laundry uses a substantial amount of water. Standard washing machines require around 40-45 gallons of water per load while high-efficiency washers use around 14 gallons. By washing less frequently, you’re conserving water, an essential resource that is becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the world.
Pollution
The environmental impact of laundry detergent can be significant. Laundry detergents and fabric softeners often contain synthetic ingredients and harsh chemicals that aren’t great for the environment—or for you.
Many traditional detergents may cause skin irritation and can trigger allergies. And let’s not forget the phosphates found in laundry detergents, which can cause algae blooms in water that deplete oxygen and harm marine life. By washing less often, you’re cutting down on the number of these harmful chemicals that end up in our waterways, which is a win for both you and the planet.
Micro Plastics
Every time you wash synthetic fabrics like polyester, they shed tiny plastic fibers called microplastics. In fact, a single polyester garment can shed up to 1,900 microfibers per wash. These microplastics often make their way into our oceans, where they can harm marine life. By washing less frequently, you can help reduce this form of pollution and protect our waterways.
It’s cheaper
Fewer loads of laundry translate to lower utility bills and less spending on laundry detergents and fabric softeners. This can add up to significant savings over time.
More free time
Less time spent on laundry means more free time for you. Imagine all the other things you could do instead of folding clothes or waiting for a load to finish.
Clothing Longevity
Frequent washing can wear out your clothes faster, causing colors to fade and fabrics to deteriorate. Washing less often helps maintain the quality and appearance of your garments, making them last longer.
How Often Should You Wash Your Clothes?
Figuring out how often to wash your clothes can be tricky, but getting it right can save you time, and money, and help extend the life of your garments. Different fabrics and types of clothing have varying needs when it comes to cleanliness. Here’s a guide to help you determine how often you should wash everything from your jeans to your formal dresses, ensuring you keep your wardrobe fresh without overdoing it on the laundry.
Anything white or silk
These delicate and often stain-prone fabrics should be washed after every wear to maintain their brightness and cleanliness.
Bras
You can get away with washing your bras after 3 to 4 wears. Make sure to air them out between wears to keep them fresh.
Down parkas and vests
Since these items are typically worn over other clothing, they only need to be washed twice a season.
Dress pants and skirts
These can usually be worn a couple of times a season before needing a wash, especially if they’re not getting dirty or sweaty.
Fleece jackets and sweatshirts
Depending on use, these can go 5 times a season before needing a wash.
Hosiery
These should be washed after every wear due to their close contact with your skin.
Jackets and blazers
These can generally be worn 5 to 6 times before needing to be cleaned, as they are often layered over other clothing.
Jeans
Denim is durable and can be worn 4 to 5 times before needing a wash, barring any spills or stains.
Leather and suede jackets
These materials are best cleaned once a season to preserve their quality and look.
Leggings and yoga pants
Depending on the level of physical activity, wash these after 1 to 3 wears.
Pajamas
Assuming you shower before bed, pajamas can be worn 3 to 4 times before they need to be washed.
Shapewear
Wash these items after 1 to 3 wears, especially if worn directly against your skin.
Shorts and khakis
These can typically be worn 2 to 3 times before washing.
Socks
These should be washed after every wear, as they absorb sweat and are in direct contact with your feet all day.
Sweaters (Cotton, silk, and cashmere)
These delicate fabrics should be washed after 2 wears to keep them in good condition.
Sweaters (Wool and synthetic blends)
These can go up to 5 wears before needing a wash, as they tend to be more durable.
Swimsuits
Due to exposure to chlorine and saltwater, swimsuits should be washed after every wear.
T-Shirts, tanks, and camisoles
These should be washed after every wear since they are in direct contact with your skin and absorb sweat.
Tops and dresses
Depending on the fabric and how close they fit to your body, wash these after 1 to 3 wears.
Underwear
These should be washed after every wear to maintain proper hygiene and freshness.
Formal dresses
These should be dry-cleaned after every wear to maintain their delicate fabrics and intricate designs.
Wool coats
Wool coats should be cleaned 1 to 2 times a season, as they are usually worn over other layers and don’t get as dirty.
Less Laundry Determination Factors
Deciding how often to wash your clothes isn’t always straightforward. Several factors come into play that can influence the need for a fresh load of laundry. Understanding these key elements can help you determine the right time to wash different items, ensuring you balance cleanliness with practicality. Here’s a look at the main factors to consider when deciding whether your clothes are ready for washing or if you could use another item of clothing.
Duration of Wear
The longer you wear an item, the more likely it is to need a wash. Clothes that are worn all day, especially close to the skin, will accumulate more sweat and oils, making them ready for cleaning.
Activity Level
High-intensity activities or physical exertion can cause clothes to become sweaty and dirty more quickly. Items worn during exercise or strenuous activities generally need to be washed after each use.
Proximity to Skin
Garments that are worn directly against your skin, such as underwear and leggings, tend to collect more sweat and bacteria and should be washed more frequently compared to outer layers.
Sweat and Odor
If an item starts to smell or feels damp from sweat, it’s time for a wash. Odor and moisture are clear indicators that bacteria and germs are present, making it important to clean the item.
Visible Stains or Dirt
Any noticeable stains or dirt on your clothes should be addressed promptly. Washing items with visible marks or grime helps prevent the stains from setting in and keeps your clothes looking fresh.
Type of Fabric
Different fabrics have different washing needs. For instance, delicate fabrics like silk may need more frequent washing compared to durable fabrics like denim, which can handle multiple wears before needing a wash.
Type of Cleaning Maintenance
Some clothing items, such as those with special care instructions, may require less frequent washing or specific cleaning methods to maintain their quality and longevity.
Weather Conditions
Weather can impact how often you need to wash your clothes. In hot and humid conditions, clothes may need to be washed more often due to increased sweating, while in cooler, dry weather, items may stay fresher longer.
Environment
If you’re in a particularly dusty or polluted environment, your clothes may pick up dirt and particles that necessitate more frequent washing. Conversely, if you’re in a clean, controlled environment, you might be able to wear clothes a bit longer before needing to wash them.
How to Do Less Laundry Tips
Managing laundry can often feel like a never-ending task, but there are simple strategies you can use to cut down on the number of washes and make your life easier. By incorporating a few practical habits and smart choices into your routine, you can extend the life of your clothes and reduce your laundry load. Here are some effective tips to help you wash less laundry while keeping your wardrobe fresh and ready for action.
Create a Laundry Organization System
Having a laundry organizational system helps you do less laundry by extending the lifespan of your clothes. By sorting and properly caring for each garment, you minimize wear and tear, prevent color fading, and preserve fabric integrity, reducing the need for frequent replacements and washes.
Wear Clothes Multiple Times
One of the easiest ways to reduce laundry is to wear your clothes more than once before washing them. For instance, unless they’re visibly dirty or sweaty, jeans, sweaters, and jackets can often be worn several times between washes.
Spot Clean
Instead of throwing a whole garment in the wash for a small stain or spill, try spot cleaning the affected area. This approach can extend the time between full washes and keep your clothes looking fresh.
Air Out Clothes
After wearing, give your clothes a chance to air out by hanging them up or laying them flat. This helps remove odors and can make them suitable for other wear before laundering.
Invest in High-Quality Basics
Quality garments tend to hold up better and stay fresh longer than their cheaper counterparts. Investing in high-quality basics means you can wear them multiple times between washes without worrying about wear and tear.
Use Clothing Protectors
Protective gear, such as aprons or cover-ups, can help keep your clothes cleaner while you cook, work, or engage in messy activities. This prevents stains and dirt from reaching your main outfits and reduces the frequency of washing.
Rotate Your Wardrobe
By rotating your wardrobe and wearing different outfits, you give each piece a break and avoid overusing any one item. This strategy helps keep your clothes in better condition and allows more time between washes.
How to Do Less Laundry: FAQs
How often do you do laundry?
The frequency of doing laundry depends on various factors, such as the size of your household, the number of clothes you have, and your lifestyle. However, by adopting strategies like wearing clothes multiple times and spot cleaning, you can significantly reduce the number of loads you need to do each week.
How often should I wash my bras?
You should wash your bras after 3 to 4 wears. Allowing them to air out between wears can help maintain their shape and elasticity while reducing the need for frequent washing.
How often do you wash sweaters?
Sweaters made of cotton, silk, or cashmere should be washed after 2 wears, while wool and synthetic blend sweaters can be worn up to 5 times before needing a wash.
How often should I wash my coat?
Wool coats should be cleaned 1 to 2 times a season, as they are usually worn over other layers and do not get as dirty as other clothing items.
How often should I wash my dress shirts?
Dress shirts should be washed after every wear, particularly if worn directly against the skin or in environments where they might get sweaty or stained.
How often should I wash my Lululemon leggings?
Lululemon leggings, like other activewear, should be washed after 1 to 3 wears depending on the intensity of use and personal preference.
How often should you wash your pants?
Pants, such as jeans or dress pants, can be worn 4 to 5 times before needing a wash unless they are visibly dirty or have absorbed odors.
How often should you wash your jeans?
Jeans can typically be worn 4 to 5 times between washes, as denim is durable and doesn’t need frequent laundering unless stained or soiled.
How often should you wash towels and sheets?
Towels should be washed after every 3 to 4 uses, while sheets generally need washing every 1 to 2 weeks to maintain freshness and hygiene.
How Less Laundry Helps Slow Fashion
Participating in the slow fashion movement involves a commitment to taking care of your clothes and reducing their environmental impact. By doing less laundry, you’re not only conserving water and energy but also contributing to the longevity of your garments. Each wash wears down the fabric and fades colors, so extending the time between washes helps your clothes stay in better condition for longer. This approach aligns perfectly with the principles of slow fashion, which emphasize quality and sustainability over quantity.