While keeping your clothes and linens clean is important, you might be surprised to learn that you’re actually washing some items too frequently. Overwashing can lead to premature wear and tear, fading, and even damage to delicate fabrics.
So, what are these items that you’re likely washing way too often?
1. Your Favorite Pair of Jeans
Denim is designed to fade and break in over time, giving you that perfect worn-in look. However, washing your jeans too often can speed up this process and result in weak fibers that no longer hold their shape.
Experts recommend washing jeans every 5 to 10 wears, unless there’s visible dirt or odor. (ref)
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2. Your Trusty Bath Towels
While it’s tempting to toss your bath towels in the laundry after every use, this can actually strip their softness and rapidly age the fibers. Instead, aim to wash your bath towels after every 3 to 4 uses, as long as you hang them properly to dry between each use.
3. Your Cozy Blankets
Curling up with a soft, cozy blanket is one of life’s simple pleasures. But if you’re washing your blankets weekly, you might be doing more harm than good.
Overwashing can lead to stiff, matted fibers that are no longer comfortable. Wash your blankets once every 3 to 4 weeks, depending on use.
4. Your Bed Sheets
If you’re in the habit of washing your bed sheets once a week, you might want to scale back. Washing sheets too often can dramatically reduce their lifespan. Unless there’s a spill or illness, washing your sheets every two weeks is usually sufficient.
5. Your Comfy Pajamas
While it’s important to keep your sleepwear clean, you don’t need to wash your pajamas after every use. In fact, washing them too often can cause the fabric to break down prematurely. It’s best to wash your pajamas every 2 to 3 wears.
6. Your Favorite Sweaters
Sweaters are a staple in many wardrobes, but washing them too frequently can cause pilling, stretching, and shrinkage. Unless your sweater is visibly dirty or smelly, you can usually wear it up to 6 times before washing if you wear an undershirt, or 1 to 2 times without an undershirt.
7. Your Workout Gear
While it’s important to wash your workout clothes after every sweat session to prevent bacterial growth, you might be overdoing it with your sports bras. Washing them after every use can cause the elastic to break down and lose its shape.
Unless you sweat profusely, aim to wash sports bras every 2 to 3 wears.
8. Your Throw Pillows
Decorative throw pillows can add a pop of color and texture to your living space, but they don’t need to be washed as often as you might think.
Washing them too frequently can cause the filling to clump and the fabric to fade. Experts recommend washing throw pillows every 3 to 6 months. (ref)
9. Your Winter Coat
Unless you’re wearing your winter coat daily or it’s visibly dirty, you don’t need to wash it more than once or twice per season. Overwashing can damage the insulation and waterproof coating, reducing its effectiveness at keeping you warm and dry.
10. Your Curtains & Drapes
Curtains and drapes can accumulate dust and allergens over time, but washing them too often can cause fading and damage to delicate fabrics. You can wash curtains and drapes every 3 to 6 months, depending on the level of dust and dirt in your home.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.