When it comes to washing your family’s smelly socks, it’s important to strike a balance between cleanliness and preserving the quality of certain items in your home. Over-washing can cause fabrics to wear out, fade, or shrink prematurely. Before tossing your bath towels and blankets into the laundry yet again, consider how frequently they truly need to be cleaned. You may be overdoing it with these eight items:
1. Jeans and Denim: To maintain the color and integrity of denim clothing, avoid washing them too frequently. Wait until you’ve worn jeans three or four times before washing them, or spot-clean stains in the meantime.
2. Bras (Except for Sports Bras): While exercise clothes should be washed after every use, everyday bras can be washed less frequently to preserve their shape and elasticity. Consider washing your bra after three uses, unless it was worn during exercise or on a particularly sweaty day.
3. Towels: Washing bath towels too often can make them lose their softness and thickness. Aim to wash towels after three uses or once a week, and ensure they are hung to dry properly between uses.
4. Blankets and Comforters: Unless directly soiled, blankets and comforters can be washed less frequently than sheets. Consider washing them every three months to once a month to maintain their freshness.
5. Wool Sweaters and Throws: To prevent wool garments from losing their shape or pilling, wash them as infrequently as possible. Wear a shirt underneath to protect the fabric and hand-wash when needed.
6. Pajamas: Adults can usually wear pajamas multiple times before washing them, especially in indoor environments. Children’s pajamas may need more frequent washing due to spills and accidents.
7. Outerwear: Since outerwear is typically worn over other layers, it doesn’t need to be washed frequently. Washing outerwear once a season is sufficient, particularly for delicate materials like down, wool, or leather.
8. Rugs (Except for Bath Mats): While washable rugs are convenient, they don’t need to be washed weekly. Vacuum them regularly and reserve deep cleaning for spills. Bath mats, however, should be washed every one to two weeks due to regular moisture exposure.
By adjusting your washing routine for these items, you can help prolong their lifespan and maintain their quality.
