Are you overdoing the clothes washing? Or verging on under-doing it? Neither is a great idea. Excessive washing foists a hidden burden on the environment. And well, not washing enough harms you. You need to find the right balance and also preserve your garments. We turn to which.co.uk for the appropriate advice.
Underwear should be washed after every single wear. No exceptions! This includes all types: briefs, boxers, thongs, panties. The fabric rests against sensitive areas and absorbs sweat, bacteria, body oils throughout the day. Wearing them repeatedly, without washing, raises the risk of infections, including yeast and urinary tract infections.
Gear worn while exercising needs a wash after each workout session. The garments absorb sweat, skin oils and bacteria that multiply in moist, warm conditions. Re-wearing them can cause body odour, acne (especially back or chest acne), and even fungal infections like ringworm.
Always rinse and ideally wash your swimwear after every use, even if you didn’t swim. Chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, and body oils break down fabric fibres, causing discolouration or odour. Rinsing in cold water immediately after swimming removes most chemicals, but a full hand wash with gentle detergent after each use is best.
T-shirts should be washed after 1-2 wears, depending on how much you sweat and your environment. If worn under a sweater or blazer and not exposed to odour or moisture, you can get a second wear. But T-shirts absorb sweat from the underarms, neck, and back, making them more prone to odour. White T-shirts tend to yellow underarm if not washed frequently.
How often you should wash your dresses depends on the fabric and their use. Formal or occasional dresses (like evening gowns) can go 3-5 wears or even longer if spot-cleaned. Casual summer dresses or tightly-fitted dresses, worn close to the skin, should be washed after 1-2 wears. If the dress is made of silk or delicate fabric, avoid frequent machine washes -- opt for handwashing or dry cleaning.
Bras should be washed after every 3-4 wears, unless you’ve been sweating heavily. Over-washing can wear out the elastic and shape, but under-washing may lead to skin irritation or breakouts where the band touches the skin. Rotate between 2-3 bras to extend their lifespan.
Pajamas need a wash after 3-4 wears, assuming you only wear them at night, while sleeping and don’t sweat heavily. If you sweat while sleeping or wear them while sick, washing after every wear is recommended. Body oils, skin cells, sweat collect on nightwear, creating an ideal environment for bacteria.
Sweatshirts can be worn 5-6 times before washing, especially if worn over a clean shirt and not directly against skin. But if used for physical activity or in warm weather, reduce to 2–3 wears.