Tips

How often should clothes be washed?

Improper storage and washing can lead to rapid deterioration of garments. In fact, it can even cause skin issues for the wearer.

Administrator

9 February, 2024

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Depending on the type of clothing, the frequency of washing will vary. Illustration: RODNAE Productions/Pexels.

There is no definite rule about how often to wash clothes because everyone has their own method. However, washing clothes too much can reduce the quality of the garments. In addition, letting dirty clothes sit for too long can increase the risk of skin issues, yeast infections, or odors.

Specifically, sweat, oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, or mold can stick to clothing. If not cleaned in a timely manner, they will grow and continue to live on our bodies, says Joshua Zeichner, a dermatology professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in the US.

As a result, people are prone to folliculitis and acne outbreaks, added Aanand Geria, a dermatologist at Geria Dermatology Care Center.

In the following article, HuffPost has compiled advice from various experts to help people understand the correct methods and frequency of washing to ensure clothing quality.

The more the clothes touch the skin, the more frequently they should be washed. Illustration: RODNAE Productions/Pexels.

Wash frequently

A useful tip from Dr. Zeichner is that clothes that come into close and frequent contact with the skin should be washed more often because they are prone to sweat and dirt from the body.

Specifically, underwear, socks, innerwear, or workout clothes are some typical items that need to be cleaned more frequently, according to Carolyn Forte, Director of the Cleaning and Home Care Lab at Good Housekeeping Institute.

In addition, Becky Rapinchuk, a cleaning expert and founder of Clean Mama website, shared with HuffPost that any clothes that have visible stains, marks, or odors should be washed promptly.

Jean clothing does not need to be washed and ironed too often. Illustration: Karolina Grabowska/Pexels.

Wash when necessary

Zeichner states that clothes that come into contact with the skin but are not sweaty or dirty can be worn again without washing.

In addition, long pants, sweaters, blouses, bras, and sleepwear can be used multiple times before washing. However, people should only do this if the wearing time is short and the clothes are not sweaty or muddy, Forte added.

If staying inside and not sweating excessively, people can wear clothes 3-4 times before washing, according to dermatologist Annie Gonzalez.

The same principle can be applied to jeans. Some experts even say that we can wear them about 10 times between washes.

Outerwear or formal clothing can be washed less frequently. Illustration: cottonbro studio/Pexels.

Wash less often

Clothes that do not come into close or prolonged contact with the body do not need to be washed frequently. Outerwear such as jackets, bathrobes, or sweaters can be left longer between washes, Forte said.

In addition, suits, evening dresses, or party dresses are usually made of delicate fabrics and require special care. However, they can generally be worn multiple times before cleaning, especially if they are not heavily stained or soiled, shared Geria.

However, if sweating heavily on these outfits, people should consider hand washing or dry cleaning them when wanting to wear them again.

Clothes should be hung or stored in a spacious and ventilated place. Illustration: Rachel Claire/Pexels.

Note

If wanting to reuse clothes multiple times, people should not stuff them into drawers or deep closets.

Instead, airy space or even outdoors are suitable alternatives.

In addition, we can use a steamer or fabric freshener to better preserve clothes, Forte suggested.

To extend the time between washes, spot cleaning or airing out clothing is some additional reference solutions, according to advice from sustainable fashion expert Orsola de Castro shared with The Guardian.

Source: Zing