9 Items We Overclean and 9 Others We Often Neglect to Wash

Approximately 90% of the clothes we wash are not truly dirty, leading to excessive laundry. Many people wash items with slight odors or wrinkles, wasting water, energy, and detergent. This overuse of resources increases costs and harms the environment.

Meanwhile, we often ignore items that genuinely need cleaning, allowing dirt and odors to accumulate. This neglect can result in more intensive washing later. To improve laundry efficiency, it is crucial to evaluate which items require cleaning and organize them for optimal care.

To address these issues, we studied how often the washing machine should be used. By creating a schedule based on actual clothing needs, we can ensure only necessary items are washed, saving resources and reducing environmental impact.

1. Jeans versus leggings

Advertisement

Jeans vs. Leggings: Washing Habits and Care Frequent washing can shorten jeans' lifespan and fade their color. Each wash may cause denim to lose its shape, and warm weather could shrink them, altering their fit.

To preserve jeans, avoid washing them often. Chip Bergh, CEO of Levi’s, hasn’t machine-washed his jeans in over ten years, believing it helps maintain their structure and color while saving water. Spot cleaning is recommended, following early denim wearers’ habits. If machine washing is necessary, turn them inside out and use cold water only when truly dirty.

Leggings, designed to absorb moisture, require more frequent washing. For everyday wear, wash them after two to three uses. After workouts, wash them each time for hygiene and freshness.