9 Things We Wash Too Often, and 9 We Often Forget to Clean
About 90% of the clothes we launder are not truly dirty, which leads to many unnecessary loads. People often wash items that only have slight odors or are just wrinkled, wasting water, energy, and detergent. This overuse drives up household costs and harms the environment.
At the same time, while we focus on certain pieces, we overlook others that genuinely need care. Neglect lets dirt and odors build up, demanding heavier washes later. To streamline your routine, evaluate what truly needs cleaning and sort for efficient loads.
To address this, we examined how often the washing machine should run. By setting a schedule based on real needs, only necessary items get washed, saving resources and shrinking environmental impact.
1. Jeans versus leggings
Washing jeans too often shortens their life and fades the dye. Every cycle can distort the fabric, and warm water may cause shrinkage, changing the fit from how it felt when new.
To keep jeans looking great, wash sparingly. Chip Bergh, CEO of Levi's, says he has not machine-washed his jeans for over ten years. He believes fewer washes protect color and structure while saving water. Spot clean when needed, echoing early denim habits that prized durability. If you must machine wash, turn them inside out and use cold water only when they are truly dirty.
Leggings need a different plan. Designed to wick moisture, they can harbor bacteria and odors. For everyday wear, washing after two or three uses is usually enough. After workouts, wash every time to stay fresh and hygienic.
