9 Things That We Wash Too Often, and 9 More That We Usually Forget About

Approximately 90% of the clothes we wash aren't genuinely dirty, leading to a significant amount of unnecessary laundry. Many people toss garments into the machine simply because of faint odors or minor wrinkles, wasting water, energy, and detergent. This overuse of resources not only hikes up household costs but also harms the environment.

Meanwhile, while we obsess over washing some items, we often ignore others that truly need attention. This oversight allows dirt and smells to accumulate, eventually demanding even harsher cleaning. To streamline laundry habits, it's crucial to assess which items actually require washing and organize them for efficient care.

To address these challenges, we set out to explore how often the washing machine should run. By crafting a schedule based on actual clothing needs, we can ensure only essential items are washed, conserving resources and lessening our environmental footprint.

1. Jeans versus leggings

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Jeans vs. Leggings: Washing Habits and Care Washing jeans too frequently can cut their lifespan short and dull their color. Each cycle risks distorting denim's shape, and warm weather might cause shrinkage, altering how jeans fit compared to when you bought them.

To maintain your jeans, limit washing. Chip Bergh, CEO of Levi's, hasn't machine-washed his jeans in over a decade. He argues that washing less preserves denim's color and structure while saving water and reducing environmental strain. He suggests spot cleaning when needed, echoing early denim users who prioritized durability. If machine washing is unavoidable, turn jeans inside out and use cold water only when they're truly soiled.

Leggings, on the other hand, demand a different strategy. Designed to wick moisture, they can harbor bacteria and odors. For daily wear, washing after two or three uses often suffices. But post-workout, wash them after each session to ensure freshness and hygiene.