Are you washing your clothes too often?
"I run my washing machine at least once a day, sometimes twice or if not three times". I was shocked when my sister admitted this to me. Although I can’t judge; she has two young children running around so mess is a given. But, it got me thinking, are we using our washing machines too often?
New research from Chalmers University of Technology found that consumers are more likely to be driven by their disgust than their concern for the environment when it comes to laundry. That means there’s a lot more washing going on than there needs to be, which takes a toll on the environment. But how bad is it and what should we do instead?
The impact of over-washing
Looking at how often we choose to wash our clothes, most of us are driven by the number of wears to keep things simple. Even if there’s no obvious stains or smells, if we’ve worn it a set number of times, we will more likely wash it through fear of others judging. That’s quite surprising considering how sustainable we try to be these days.
The trouble with this habit is it’s not good news for the environment. With every wash cycle our washing machines are consuming energy and water and potentially releasing microplastics into the environment. And then there’s the additional manufacturing process of our detergents to consider too.
According to Electrolux, as much as 700,000 microfibres are released from a single load of laundry. The abrasiveness of the cycle and detergent removes the fibres from synthetic clothing, which are then drained away with the water. These can damage aquatic life, potentially being ingested by small marine creatures down the line.
So it’s clear that we need to change our way of thinking when it comes to the washing machine. That means not necessarily chucking items into the laundry bin just because they've been worn. We need to start seeing the washing machine as something to use only when necessary, and that means potentially wearing our clothes for longer than we’re used to.
How often should you wash your clothes?
Here at GH, we’ve got guides on how often you should be washing your clothes to take the guesswork out. Follow these rules and it will help your clothes last longer while still smelling fresh. It will be good news for your washing machine too as it won’t have to work so hard!
Underwear – It’s essential that you wash your underwear between uses, so do not try to extend the wear here! They’re an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, and can contribute to diseases, such as urinary tract infections and thrush, if not kept clean.
T-shirts – T-shirts make direct contact with your skin, so these should be washed between uses too. They can collect sweat with each wear, and once bacteria makes contact that’s when things start to smell. Items worn over the top which don’t make contact will last for longer between washes though.
Jeans – Jeans are frequently over-washed which will damage the material and shape. Stick to washing these after 10 wears or so to keep them looking good. Remember to turn them inside out and zip them up before washing, so they don’t snag on delicate items.
Pyjamas – We sweat a lot at night and pyjamas will take the brunt of that. Wash after every three wears, or extend these to once a week in the cooler months.
Bedsheets – Keep your bedsheets smelling fresh by not making the bed in the mornings – you read that right! Pull the duvet off the bed and leave the windows open to vent any residual moisture for a few hours. You should ideally wash your sheets at least once a fortnight to keep them fresh.
Towels – Your bath towels need washing every 3-4 uses, but make sure you spread them out fully in a well-ventilated space as they air dry; this prevents musty smells. If you’ve used a towel up the gym, wash it as soon as you’re home because this likely will be covered with sweat and bacteria.
You Might Also Like
